Today I ventured in the rain to Southeastern Massachusetts. There are some shops I've been meaning to visit to for some time.
Meaningless information alert: Did you know that they call hot dogs "wieners" in SE MA and RI? There are a lot of wierner stands. I know this because I drove around in circles for about 2 hours and I noticed an unusually large number of weiner stands. (GPS I could have used.)
First stop, Staples Cabinet Makers in Plainville. They are known for their reclaimed wood tables. I've been thinking of one for myself for my kitchen. Do you like it? I might buy this one. I'd have to have them cut it down a bit in length. They said no problem.
If you are looking for something a bit different, that's green (most of the wood there is reclaimed lumber) and local, the work is lovely and there's a real sense that someone touched the items. The folks there were just wonderful. It's a family run business. They are kind. Real. They care about what they do. Had a nice conversation with them. The shop was busy, which is also nice to see.
Then I went to another store in MA, right by the RI border. This is a well-known antiques store that shall remain nameless and although what I am about to report is true, and actually happened, my sister, the lawyer, says I should not name the company.
I walked in.There was a young woman at the front desk. She did say hello. And I also encountered a few sales people as I walked around the shop, which has many rooms and a few floors. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING TO ME. No connection. No attempt.
I don't like the sugary, sweet "hello" from a mall greeter. That's super annoying. But the way staff connects with a potential customer is an important extension of the company. It tells you a lot. Robotic, fake, real, nonexistent. I prefer real. But most importantly make some kind of attempt.
Unless I was in the need of a bed, I would not come back to this shop. Not only because they barely acknowledged my presence, but also because their stuff is yawns-ville.
I wonder whom they are selling to? I wonder if a tour of wiener stands of Southern MA and RI might be worth a second road trip?
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