It’s Nice To Be Remembered

People seem to remember me, I’m not sure why.  However it does have its advantages.

Barbara has been complaining that her red Coach bag was becoming worn.  I know that right after Christmas, Coach has a very big sale.  Because I like to surprise Barbara with things, I went by myself to the mall where the Coach outlet store was located.  I did ask our friend to accompany me as she is very knowledgable about pocketbooks. Unfortunately she was unable to come along that day.

I got to the area where there are a lot of stores that sell nice pocketbooks.  I proceeded to go in and look around for one that I found interesting and that Barbara would like.

In each store I sought out a knowledgable sales person. They all took pity on me and thought it was adorable and charming I was doing this for my wife.  I told them what specifications Barbara would want in a pocketbook and then let them show me what was available.

The Coach sales person, who turned out to be the manager, was particularly helpful.  She initially turned me over to a sales associate but when I couldn't find anything I liked, she stepped in to help. 

She showed me several pocketbooks, one of which I did like but wasn’t sure Barbara would.  

I told the manager I would have to return another time.  

I went to several stores, in one of which I found another pocketbook I liked, but again was not sure Barbara would like it.  I sent a picture to our friend for her opinion, and we both agreed on a No.

I went home without a purchase.

Two weeks later, Barbara and I had an occasion to go to that mall and walk around.

I cleverly steered her to the Coach store where the sale was still in progress.

As we entered the store, we were greeted by the same manager I had been working with.  She handed me the sales flyer and looked at me closely.

“I know you,”  she said, “you were here about 2 weeks ago.”

“That’s right,” I responded, “I’ve brought El Excelente with me this time.” Cue eye roll from Barbara, at both my description of her and the fact that the manager recognized me.

“Let me get you someone to help you and I’ll tell him what you are looking for and some ideas to show you.”

I thanked her and she called over a sales associate and gave him instructions.

We proceeded to look around and I found a pocketbook I liked.  I showed it to Barbara and she liked it too.  The sales associate told us the one we chose was somewhat expensive but he had another one that was just like it except for one minor detail.   We went to where it was and picked out a color that we both agreed on (not black ).  We were told it was 50% off the price.

I went over to the manager and asked for the additional discount being offered on some other pocketbooks.  She told me to go to a different area of the store where there were items with the additional 30%.  

Barbara actually found one there she liked.

I told the sales associate I would take both if he got us the additional 30% on the first one we liked.

He assured me that wouldn’t happen but I could ask the manager.

I went back to the manager with both bags and told her what I wanted.  

At first she resisted.  

I told her I was entitled to a Charming Discount because of how charming I was.  She told me I was charming, that’s why she remembered me.  She took another look at the first bag and told me she would like to help me.  I offered to watch the front of the store for her and greet people with the discount flyer as they entered so she could find a way to help me.  She briefly considered my offer but oddly declined. 

She went over to a price checker and after speaking with that person at the computer, announced there was an additional price discount on that piece.  The discount amounted to the additional 30% on top of the 50%. How could I resist a bargain like that?

We took both bags.  

As we left the store I thanked the manager again.  She was laughing as we left, I’m not sure at what.

We next went to a perfume store that we have bought from several times.

I like perfume stores because I want to pick out ones I like.  Who’s going to smell it anyway? Me, that’s who, so why shouldn’t I pick out one I like. 

I usually tell the sales girl/manager what specifications (I can’t say what they are since my daughter will read this) I want and she proceeds to line the different ones up for my sampling.  We usually buy at least 2.

This time, Barbara was determined only to get another bottle of one she had just used up.  I was under strict orders not to interfere.

Barbara told a sales girl what she wanted and the girl brought it out and quoted us a price substantially higher than we usually pay.

Barbara and I looked at each other quizzically, prepared to not take it.

Just then the manager came out from the back.  She waved at me, smiled and told the sales girl to lower the price to what we usually pay.  

We bought the item and on the way out, I assured the manager I would be back without Barbara to hinder my choices.  She gave me the high sign and we left.

Now I am sure I got the discounts because people remember me.  I also am convinced it’s also because I am “Charming.”

Today in fact I was at the grocery store and handed the cashier a coupon Barbara had given me for an item.  The cashier told me it was expired.  I told her, it wasn’t my fault, my wife had given it to me to use. I tried my best to appear Charming and pitiful.  She took pity on me and gave me the amount off anyway.

I really am Charming.  in fact I’m going to have a T-shirt made that says “I Am Prince Charming”

Barbara just keeps rolling her eyes.