Friend W and I decided it would be a good idea to go over to Marks and Spencer at Teeside Park today for last minute goodies for the Christmas table. But yesterday was a dreadful day weather-wise and we wondered what the weather would be like today. Then we both secretly began to worry about the crowds, particularly when the Yorkshire Post named today as 'Panic Saturday'. But we neither of us voiced our fears so we set off at 8.30 this morning, when it was barely light.
And what a jolly morning we have had. A pleasant journey there (takes about an hour) on almost empty roads until the last half mile when the traffic began to pile up. But we found a place in the Car Park easily and at half past nine we were in the food department, along with A LOT of others, looking at goodies. I hardly wanted anything - she was the same - but we both came away with all kinds of little extras which save time (in my case - a lovely ham joint all ready for the oven, a carton of 'posh turkey gravy', a carton of ready-made bread sauce (only two of the party like it), cocktail canapes and a couple of bottles of good wine.
We loaded up her car and then went back inside for a coffee and a mince pie in the cafe (which was not particularly busy) (everyone was too busy whizzing round the store).
We were especially impressed with how pleasant everyone was - the men pushing trolleys for their wives/girl friends gave way to us two 'elderly' ladies; the staff were all pleasant and helpful; nobody pushed and shoved - it was a thoroughly lovely, Christmassy experience.
Now, two microwaved jacket potatoes later, I am just going to take Tess for a walk as the farmer is shooting today. Then it will be light the wood burner and settle down ready to watch the final of Strictly later on tonight.
I really feel that the Christmas season has started. Tomorrow three of us are going out for Christmas lunch to a local restaurant. I shall hide the scales until after Christmas.
It is worth pointing out that friend W (who used to work for M and S long ago) found an assistant and asked her to pass on to the Supervisor her praise for the efficiency and pleasantness of the staff on such a busy day. I have just sent M and S an e mail saying much the same. People are quick to complain, so we both thought that praise was important.
That so nice of you to do. I take the idea and shall do it here in my country. It is a good positive thinking and behaving which I think it's catching.
ReplyDeleteWe went to marks this morning for our food........saw several people from the village.........and I had a lovely sausage sandwich!
ReplyDeleteI am pleased you had a happy trip to M & S. I didn't bother. I went to the hairdressers though!
ReplyDeleteYour shopping trip sounds most satisfactory. I like to give thanks for good service and I must say that my favourite branch of Sainsbury's in Barnwood, Gloucester is so pleasant to shop in all the year round. I am trying not to do any more shopping until we've used up all the left-overs though we shall probably need more milk by Tuesday.
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ReplyDeleteI messed up on my first comment - trying again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day out. Don is doing the grocery shopping for the last of the christmas eve open house foods, I'm staying in.
Our city is almost 100,000 people and there is never a time when there are not massive crowds, either driving or shopping. The clerks are helpful and friendly but the time in line and the traffic jams in the aisles of the grocery stores are often quite bad - but everyone seems to manage them fine - we all get used to it after a while. Coming from a town of 2,500 it was quite an adjustment for us - but our grandsons live here so we wouldn't live any place else. And we have a nice little wilderness area right next to our house so at least it doesn't seem that we are living in town - just when we shop it does.
The old I get the more fondly I look on the scene around and see that everyone is playing their part, for good or ill. How nice it is both to be surrounded by pleasant people, and to be able to tell someone about it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a lovely and productive day out.
ReplyDeleteToday (Saturday) I'm off to the nursery for some plants to give.
Monday I will do my last minute shopping.
cheers, parsnip
We did Waitrose this morning and everyone was unbelievably polite and friendly. I'm pleased M&S managed it too.
ReplyDeleteJust complimented Macys on a timely delivery of furniture.
ReplyDeleteI do think shops are taking customer feedback more seriously.
Wish we had Marks here!
As someone who has spent some of my recent years involved in the ways of the retail world, let me assure you that your passing on praise of the M&S staff will be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou and your friend were wise to get that early start.
xo
Christmas has started for me too. I can't stand the October start for all the shops etc. I shall do my food shopping on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteA local village always puts lots of decorated trees around, and they make a real effort. I wrote to their Mayor to congratulate.
Mmm posh gravy eh, whatever next?
ReplyDeleteSweet gesture, we should all do it more often....
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