(Although there are usually three to four registers open at a time, a lot of people tend to stand in the middle and just go to whichever one opens up next… which takes twice as long. Try as we might to get people to form lines at EVERY register, it’s just a waste of oxygen. On this day, the ‘line’ is backed twenty-people strong. I am opposite another register, and both of us are finishing up a current transaction when a happy, clueless, older couple with a full shopping cart take a firm stance in the middle.)
Coworker #1: *shouting from the corner* “I’M OPEN OVER HERE!”
Couple: *looks over happily but doesn’t move, still watching both me and [Coworker #2] finish up*
Me: “Yeah, no. They don’t care.”
(Some people duck out of line behind them and make a beeline for Coworker #1.)
Coworker #2: *loudly* “Nope, they’re just going to stand there and take up both lines to see who finishes up first. Maybe I’ll just go stand in the corner!”
Me: *snorts and sends my customer on their way*
(The happy couple drifted over, still seemingly clueless. And what do you know? As soon as they moved, lines were able to form at every register!)
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