Finding a Fit

So this fellow enters the store. Sauntering down aisles looking for something. At no time does he perk up or follow toward a specific display. He just wanders along looking. Sometimes touching the goods, even hefting them for weight and balance. Fabrics he feels for pliability, softness and texture.

Next he enters the furniture department but soon reappears without interest as to where he has been. He spots the men’s clothing department and goes toward the slacks and trousers. He holds some up to his waist to check which size might be good for him. He looks about for a sales clerk who might advise him, maybe even check his size for a proper fit. But no one is around. Just a sea of goods on racks packed tightly together. Lots of selection, an array of color, fabrics and styles.

What’s next? Suits with jackets, or sport coats in need of separate slacks? Maybe shirts? The selection is boggling. All sizes and fits – trim for the slim, V-shaped for the muscular body, Y-shaped for the non-muscled (!), and of course the stretchy for anything in between (or rapidly changing shape!).

The fellow probably saw the same goods on-line for this store’s website but didn’t think he got the true feel or sense of the products. Besides, he didn’t know his size and thought it would be better if he tried on the clothes, maybe asked for help from someone in the know. Shopping was such a chore these days. What to buy and for what purpose? Was this attire to be for work, social gatherings or casual, relaxing times? And how durable ought they be?

It had been a long time since the fellow had shopped for new clothes. He had forgotten how to do it. That’s the sad truth, but then it mostly didn’t matter. Well it did matter to some friends and family. They said he was looking a little tacky and worn lately. Perhaps a fresh shirt and pants? Maybe even new shoes?

So he set out to find himself some of these things. Only the store was overwhelming in its selection of everything.

As he tired while shopping for clothing, he settled on the electronics department and wandered among new cell phones, sound systems, electronic cameras, TV sets and even some handy home computers. He immersed himself in a toy land of electronic possibility.  

An hour later he emerged with two small packages swinging in a bag. A new cell phone and a small computer pad. His step perked up. He had purpose. Confidence was evident in his very posture. He had come. He had seen. He had bought.

On his way out of the store he stumbled toward the exit. It was then he realized the cuff of his jeans was frayed and trailing behind him. It was that rugged look that had caused the stumble.

Suddenly he realized why he was there in the first place. With panic in his eyes he sought  a store employee for help. And there she was spraying the air with perfumes enveloping shoppers as they passed through the cosmetics department.

He approached her. He stuttered his plea for help. She neared him to hear better. Her face went from question to frown, then a lifted brow of recognition. An idea! She signaled to a colleague and took the man’s hand and led him away.

They arrived in the men’s clothing department again. She caught the eye of a clerk and explained the situation. A nod from both employees and then a broad smile. The perfume lady left and the sales clerk took over.

In a trice the fellow knew his sizes, even wrote them down! And then he was led to each display for a considered review of the possibilities. He bought six shirts, three ties, one suit, a sports jacket, and four pairs of slacks. On to the shoe department he bought a pair of dress shoes and a pair of causal sports shoes. He was set. He had a new appearance. And for more than one or two occasions.

Along the way he realized that his electronic purchases were now not really needed. He wouldn’t use the computer pad for purchases of clothing. He now knew where help was available. And where the selection was readily available at finger tip.

He returned the electronic buys for a full credit.

He then strode out of the store loaded with his new identity. And with such confidence!

December 16, 2015