But this morning instead of being welcomed by a smiling associate, I was waved off by two frantic young men who clarified that this door had been declared the exit and the entrance was on the opposite end of the store now. This might not present a problem for the average customer. But for someone with breathing or mobility issues it is unexpectedly challenging to find it is no longer possible to park near the door. One way or another you're screwed. The parking lot builders did not anticipate this exigency. Arriving at the new entrance, I'm informed that aisles are now one way. Terrific.
Does that increase sales the way their old hide and seek theory of shelf stocking was supposed to? Maybe so. They certainly seem to be selling out of everything. But maybe that's just from the hoarders filling up two carts full of supplies apiece. Unfortunately rationing does not seem to be part of the new regimen. I just came to get a fresh loaf of bread and some frozen potatoes and the potato choices remain seriously limited. As they were the week before. And the week before that.
I am willing to go along with this one-way silliness. I am willing to wait for other people to clear the aisle before i approach. I am willing to stand six feet behind the purchaser in front of me at the checkout.
What pushes me over the top are the announcements. I'll be damned if on top of all this inconvenience I am going to have to listen to some brainwashed minion deliver little lectures over the p.a. about social distancing and cdc recommendations. Self-righteous messages about how Publix wants to keep me safe. I find swear words in my vocabulary I had forgotten I knew.
Sorry comrades. Save the bubblewrap. I'm done. Just when the muzak was starting to include some decent selections too.