So what ever happened to the "Other" Mart you might ask? The third one that seems to have completely fallen off the radar? Good news! I took a trip there today so here's what they've been up to.
Nothing. The place, besides looking abandoned, basically was abandoned. I know, I know - why on Earth was I there? I promise I'm not that dry on subjects already that I needed the "Other" Mart for blog material. The real reason? My outfit.
I have a wedding to attend this evening and, to avoid ruining a perfectly adorable pedicure, decided to brave the cold in pajama pants, pedicure socks (yes men, we could easily cut the toes off regular socks but it's not as fancy), bedazzled flops and a giant, 3/4 length puffy coat.
I considered taking a drive down to the previously mentioned stores but was actually too embarrassed. I'd definitely see people I knew in Target and even Walmart would have shunned me. The "Other Mart"? I did not get a strange look from one single patron or employee. If I was in either of the other two, I'd be stopped by security because clearly I had just escaped a mental institution. Nobody with all their marbles would ever leave the house like that.
The items on my list? A memory card for the new camera and a wedding card for the happy couple. In and out in ten minutes so who really cared. A girl can dream.....
The memory cards were located near the back of the store. Basically anything in that electronics zone, regardless of price, had a security lock so you could not steal it. Apparently I've spent too much time in Target over the years because I waited patiently for an "Other" Mart employee to gleefully appear in that store area. Twenty minutes went by and finally she showed up. I felt extra comfortable after she suggestively mentioned that a rude customer said she didn't get to her area fast enough. Nope, not me but that person should be presented with a trophy for Excellence in Complaining.
At that moment I was interrupted by another electronics patron who claimed she waited even longer than me for help. Really? Because this was the first time I'd see her. The employee decided that was reasonable and left. The cheese stood alone in the aisle and waited until their intellectual conversation ended. And seriously, it was worth the wait. When the customer said she was looking for the "really good" GPS/MP3 player that was advertised for $9.99, I nearly spit out my drink.
When the attention finally turned to me, I pointed out my selection and she removed it from the display's death grip. Then she told me how it was a really good one. Hmm, apparently everything in this place was "really good". I could not help but ask what made her say that. Her response? "Because I have it." Gee, thanks for the detailed product overview. Next time I'm in the market for a new car or sophisticated gadget, I'll come back and ask your opinion as well.
I was promptly escorted to the front with my memory card because you are not allowed to be left unattended with one in the store. As I waited at customer service to buy it (they also required I do that), the store exit security alarm went off. Three times. The manager very professionally yelled "CAN'T WE JUST GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME" to his staff while the person behind me decided someone must have been stealing because "they didn't want to wait in line. That's so wrong but definitely what happened." I am 99.9% sure that was not the case but what do I know?
On my way out, I passed the "Other" Mart Cafe. Definitely a former gold mine which has been turned into a graveyard for blinking and/or inflatable seasonal merchandise. Weird, since I'd assume most people would feel totally confident munching on a hot dog or popcorn from that 9th circle of hell. Only people who overreact would assume it was contaminated with E. Coli bacteria. What a waste of prime real estate but that's their decision and not mine.
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| The sign was not vandalized as you might assume. In the holiday spirit, I removed the name. |
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