Thoughts on shoplifting and a store account...

We all know that shoplifting is stupid and dangerous. You'll wreck your employment (or future employment,) your credit, reputation, etc. Um, they put your name in the paper! Duh! That being said, shoplifting when you are with your kids is even stupider. Yes, I'm aware that 'stupider' is not proper English, but it's the right word here. And THEN to go on and say that you don't want your kids to find out? Because it was pretty stupid to tell two 14-year-old girls to go to another store in the plaza to wait for you (at 9 o'clock at night!) They didn't know that you were going to the station to be fingerprinted and processed. They didn't know where you were, or what you were doing and CAME LOOKING for you! And we covered for you! If you can't afford something, either save up for it, or pass on it. Now you have a record. Was it worth it?

In regards to your store account:

Here's the deal, people. If you carry a balance, it's more than 22% interest. For those who are bad at math, that's almost 25% (1/4) of your bill every month! Can you afford that kind of interest/fee? If not, then STOP CHARGING WHAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD! Duh!

I had a customer pay her bill the other day. She owed more than $300. Her minimum was around $10. She paid $11. She said to me "every little bit helps, right?" Suuuuure it does. We have regular customers who will put $10 or $20 on their accounts before charging $100. Um, hello?

A friend of mine was upset that her interest rate was so high. I told her - "Stop using your card! Stop buying stuff and just pay it off as soon as you can!"

Listen, I'm not un-American. I understand that the economy is racing down the crapper. But people truly need to get a grip on reality. Stop CHARGING crap you don't need! I've made my mistakes, and I'm paying for them. But I no longer buy stuff that isn't essential. No more "gimmee gimmee."

If you can't afford to pay cash for it, don't buy it. Emergency car repairs are the exception. A new pair of shoes does NOT constitute an emergency. You can live without them until you have the cash!

Have a nice day, and thank you for shopping with us!