First of all, the parking lot was completely packed. I arrived just ten minutes after they opened the doors, and there was a line out the door and already limited parking. Perhaps a Saturday morning was not the best time to retrieve these items...?
As I walked up to the door, I saw families walking in and out with their kids. Some in pretty summer dresses with elaborate hair bows, others in athletic gear and flip-flops; some Caucasian, some African-American, some Asian, some Latino.
I smiled upon seeing them and noticed that there were two types of children at this particular business this morning. I assume many of these different types of children come through this location with mom or dad annually...maybe kicking and screaming, especially at the end of the summer. I also assume that this uniform supply business is only busy during the month of August.
The first type of child is one that is completely dreading spending a Saturday at the uniform store in preparation of returning back to school. Even though some of their classmates were present, there were youngsters whining, fidgeting, complaining. Some were climbing on the chairs or reading books or watching videos on their parents cell phones to distract them from what was actually happening. I have to say that this was, without a doubt, the majority of the clientele this morning.
The rare alternative is the child that is looking forward to going back to school and enjoys the process of preparing. Those young children are excited to get measured for their new school jumpers, are eager to pick out new backpacks and lunch boxes, and are sitting quietly waiting for their number to be called...like a game. Bingo!
[As an aside, parents walked through the door, saw the lines and the crowd of people waiting for their turn, shook their head or rolled their eyes or looked at their watches, knowing that this process was going to take longer than they anticipated.]
After about 45 minutes of waiting and of people watching (and of blog topic data collecting), my number was called - "white ticket 64". Bingo!
I do have to say that the store, while busy, knew what it's doing and cranked people in and out of that store as quickly as they could without rushing people out.
Once called, my transaction was relatively painless - a few items on back order ensure a return trip in a few weeks. Hooray!
While I was in line to pay for the items, a young girl strayed from the line to check out mini uniforms for dolls. She wanted to share her back-to-school experience with her favorite toy. She was so excited when she recognized her uniform pattern that she yelled, "I found it!" I am happy to say that Mom splurged on this gift for her daughter's doll. Anything to keep kids excited to learn!
I wore uniforms for 13 years throughout my Catholic schooling. I remember my uniforms fondly. For me, not only did they make mornings easier, but it was a way for classmates from different walks of life to come together and get on the same level.
Very few people would choose school over summer camp or pool parties. That's just a fact. That being said, I always enjoyed back to school shopping at Staples and getting back so I could see my friends more regularly. Oh right...and to learn.
As for the young girl whose doll will soon match the outfit she wears most often, I predict she will become a teacher herself or a guidance counselor or an accountant or a lawyer or something even greater.
