Okay, maybe cult is too strong a word, but something weird is going on at my local Hallmark store.
On a random weekday at lunchtime, I strolled in looking for a Belle birthday card for a Disney princess party.There are three cashiers at their registers, and the store is full of ladies. I can’t remember when I’ve seen three cashiers working even at my local Von’s grocery store.
The writer in me starts noticing details. Sometime since my last visit (maybe five years ago), the card section now only occupies one corner of the store. The rest is full of gifts, jewelry, and home décor items.
I’m also the youngest person in the store. No one is in a rush. Everyone is happy. It is the Stepford Wives of card shopping. I find my Belle card and go to the register.
A sweet smiling cashier greets me. “Are you in the club?”
“What club?”
A look of disbelief crosses her face. “The Crown Reward Club. You earn points for reward dollars. Can I sign you up?”
“No thanks, just want to buy my card.”
“If you join the club you get a gold seal with every card you buy.” She holds up a sheet of gold stickers.
“Really, I’ve got to go.”
“Everyone loves the gold seal on their envelopes….”
Please God, get me the heck out of here before they realize I’m not a robot.
