#RetailLife

  • Profanity, Politics, and Paranormal Activity      Jennifer called in sick again with what she claimed was “a severe case of food poisoning,” which is either genuinely unfortunate timing or the most transparent excuse I’ve heard since my roommate said our cat deleted our rent payment. Whatever. More questionable night shifts for me, Karlee, professional sarcasm Read more

  • Bob’s Announcements, Abandonment, and Audacity Tuesday night at Chill n’Fill began with a minor apocalypse in the dairy section. The aged refrigeration unit—which Bob had repeatedly promised to replace “next fiscal quarter” for the past seven fiscal quarters—finally gave up its mechanical ghost with a death rattle that sounded suspiciously like Kenny Rogers’ “Know When Read more

  • Bicycles, Energy Drinks, and Candy Thieves    The Three’s Company theme song suddenly blared through the Chill & Fill’s ancient sound system, its jaunty, upbeat melody filling the store despite nobody pressing play. The cheerful tune about “come and knock on our door” and “three’s company too” echoed across the empty parking lot, creating an Read more

  • Announcements, Raps, and Inappropriate Requests    Tuesday night at Chill & Fill was usually slow, but Bob had chosen today to test the store’s new intercom system. The one-eyed polar bear sign had received yet another accessory—this time a miniature gold chain around its neck, giving our mascot an unexpected hip-hop vibe that clashed violently Read more

  • Wildlife, Wild Behavior, and Wild Requests    Sunday night at Chill & Fill was proving to be anything but peaceful. The one-eyed polar bear mascot outside—now sporting not only its signature eyepatch but also a miniature fishing rod and sailor hat—had somehow attracted a family of actual raccoons that had taken up residence behind the Read more

  • Late Night Desires, Divine Complexes, and Heated Confessions    It was Saturday night at Chill & Fill, and I was feeling distinctly unlike myself. Two weeks without a date, an apartment with broken air conditioning, and the constant disappointment of dating apps had left me in a perpetually aroused state that was becoming increasingly distracting. Read more

  • Subliminal Messages, Bass Vibrations, and Silent Success    Friday night at Chill & Fill was already promising to be memorable. The one-eyed polar bear sign was fully operational tonight—Bob had finally gotten the electrical issues sorted, though now the bear seemed to wink at passing cars when the wind hit it just right. I was Read more