September 2010
Someone only has to mention ‘Sale’ and I am immediately alert, wanting to know where, when and what. To me, sales are a magnet and some friends feel the same way. But whilst these friends can be great fun socially, I do not want their company when I am on a sales expedition – oh, no – some are too slow, others too impatient. A few want too many coffee breaks and most of them lack a plan, which I feel is essential. So whenever possible I go solo.
I remember one occasion when I set off for my favourite London haunts, John Lewis, D H Evans, Liberties etc. etc. In John Lewis I soon spotted a model on one of the stands draped in the most beautiful material – vibrant colours in an artistic, delicate design – which spoke luxury. Nowhere could I find the material on the shelves.
The assistant told me that the drape was the last of that particular pattern and, ‘No, madam, in no way could it be removed.’
A slight pause and then I found myself describing the very, very special occasion I was to attend, when I would need every bit of confidence to survive and that material would undoubtedly give me that confidence. The story was so harrowing that I almost believed it!
I don’t know whether it was my outpouring or crestfallen expression, but the Assistant smiled and said she would make enquiries if I would wait by the counter for her return.
When the Supervisor came marching in, straight back, hair and face, all hope I had soon vanished.
‘Madam must realise,’ she said, ‘models have to be draped by special Window Dressers – and even if one was available, it would be most inconvenient and take precious time.’ The Sales Assistant then stepped in to re-tell my pathetic reason for needing confidence, which I felt sure that material could give. I must have been convincing for she had remembered it perfectly.
‘But even if the material could be made available,’ Supervisor went on, ‘it would need an expert dressmaker to deal with that intricate pattern.’
‘Oh, yes,’ I rushed in, ‘I am a very experienced dressmaker.’ which of course I wasn’t, but did enjoy making my own clothes.
The Supervisor’s expression softened and to my amazement, orders were given for the re-draping and I was later handed a parcel containing that special material.
I wanted to show my appreciation and returned later that afternoon with a large box of chocolates.
That material made up into a delightful three-piece which I wore on many enjoyable occasions, feeling always special and confident.
An example, I feel, where would-be writers’ imagination can work miracles at times – even if a little exaggeration has to be employed in the telling of a situation.