Store Clerk Kicks Older Lady in Ragged Clothes Out, She Returns in Owner’s Car – Story of the Day

When Hailey, a boutique clerk, rudely kicks out an older woman dressed in old clothes, she thinks she's protecting the store's reputation. Little does she know, the woman would return in a luxury SUV, revealing a truth that would leave Hailey in deep regret.

The morning sun peeked through the windows of Enchanté Boutique, casting a warm glow on the gleaming hardwood floors.

The boutique was a haven for the city's most discerning clientele.

Hailey, its young and ambitious clerk known for taking immense pride in her job, pouted her lips before heading to the rack displaying the latest limited-edition shoes.

"Can you believe these shoes, Simon?" she gushed, pointing to a pair of sleek, red stilettos. "They're part of the limited-edition collection. We're gonna make a fortune in commissions!"

Simon, her co-worker, nodded with a gentle smile. "They're beautiful. I'm sure our customers will love them."

Hailey tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"I bet Mr. Thornton will be impressed when he sees how much we sell," she said. "Who knows? Maybe I'll even get that promotion I've been eyeing."

"That'd be great, Hailey," Simon smiled. "I'm sure you'll get it!"

"You know what they say," Hailey continued, straightening her designer coat. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. That's why I always look my best. It's all about class and professionalism in this business."

Suddenly, the boutique's door opened, and an older woman shuffled in. Hailey looked at her with wide eyes because the woman looked nothing like the regular customers.

She had unkempt hair and visibly worn clothes. Hailey was sure the woman had no idea how expensive everything in the store was.

"Oh my, these are lovely," the woman murmured, reaching out to the limited edition Gianvito Rossi shoes.

"Welcome to Enchanté Boutique, ma'am," Simon said, stepping forward. "Can I help you with anything?"

Before the woman could respond, Hailey intervened.

"I've got this, Simon," she said.

Then, she turned to the woman and asked, "Can I help you find something?"

"Yes, I'd like to try on these shoes, please," the older woman said. "They're just stunning."

"These shoes?" Hailey asked as her eyebrows shot up. "Ma'am, I'm not sure if you're aware, but these are limited-edition Gianvito Rossi. They're quite... expensive."

"Oh, I know," the woman nodded. "I'm looking for something special for my son's baby shower."

Hailey let out a small, condescending laugh.

"I see," she began. "Well, perhaps I could direct you to a more suitable store? There's a nice thrift shop just down the street that might be more in your price range."

The woman's smile faded. She looked down, took a deep breath, and then looked at Hailey again.

"I, uh, would really like to try these on if that's alright," she said. "I'm sure—"

"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Hailey cut her off. "These shoes are quite delicate, and frankly, I don't think they'd fit you. They're designed for a younger clientele."

Simon, who had been watching the exchange with growing unease, tried to intervene.

"Hailey, maybe we could let her try them on," he whispered. "Why be so rude to her?"

"C'mon, Simon," Hailey turned towards him. "Just look at her. It doesn't look like she can afford these shoes."

"But Hailey—"

"It's fine, Simon," Haily interrupted. "I've got this under control."

Then, she turned back to the woman.

"Is there anything else I can help you with? Or would you prefer to leave?"

The older woman looked hurt, but she maintained her composure.

"Well, if the shoes aren't an option, perhaps you could show me some party dresses?" she asked Hailey, looking toward the dress rack.

But Hailey wasn't in the mood to show her anything. She just wanted the woman to leave the store.

"Listen, I don't think you understand," Hailey began, looking straight into the older woman's eyes. "This isn't the kind of store where you can just browse and touch everything. These clothes are expensive and delicate. I can't have you dirtying them."

The woman's eyes widened in shock.

"I beg your pardon? I assure you, I'm perfectly capable of handling clothing without damaging it," she said, extending her hand to hold one of the dresses. "Why can't you just let me select one for the event I have to attend this evening? This one looks lovely!"

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to step away from the merchandise," Hailey said, her voice rising.

She reached out and snatched the dress the woman had been looking at.

"These items are not for you," Hailey yelled.

"Young lady, I don't think you understand who I am—" the woman began but Hailey cut her off.

"I understand perfectly," Hailey snapped. "You're someone who doesn't belong in this store. Now, I'm going to have to ask you to leave before I call security."

"You're making a terrible mistake," the older woman said in a trembling voice. "You can't just kick your customers out of the store."

"The only mistake here is you thinking you could shop in a place like this," Hailey retorted.

She stepped closer, her voice low and threatening. "And I can kick people like you out of the store, okay? Now, get out before I show you how it's done."

With a final, sad look at Hailey, the woman turned and left the store.

"You'll regret this, young lady," she called out as the door closed behind her. "Mark my words."

Hailey smirked, smoothing down her coat.

"Good riddance," she muttered, unaware of how her world would soon turn upside down.

About an hour later, Hailey stood behind the counter, studying the list of items they sold last week. Just then, her phone's ringtone distracted her.

It was Mr. Thornton, the store owner. He usually called her before visiting the store.

"Hailey, I'm on my way to the store," he said. "I hope everything's in order."

"Of course, Mr. Thornton!" Haily replied cheerfully. "Everything's perfect. We can't wait to show you the new inventory."

As she hung up, Hailey turned to Simon with a triumphant smile.

"Mr. Thornton's coming! Isn't it great that I got rid of that old bag just in time? Imagine if he'd walked in and seen her pawing at the merchandise."

Simon shook his head. "Hailey, I really think you should have—"

But before he could finish, a sleek black SUV pulled up outside the store. Mr. Thornton stepped out, but he didn't look as happy and cheerful as he usually did.

He stormed into the boutique, making a beeline for Hailey.

"What have you done?" he demanded. "I didn't expect this from you, Hailey!"

Haily looked at him with wide eyes, unable to comprehend the reason behind his anger.

"I... I don't understand, Mr. Thornton," she stammered. "What's wrong?"

Just then, the SUV's back door opened and out stepped the older woman from earlier. Only now, she was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, her hair neatly coiffed.

She walked inside the store and stood right in front of Hailey.

"I'm back," the older woman said.

Hailey's jaw dropped. "But... but you're..."

"Hailey, meet Mrs. Larsen," Mr. Thornton said sternly. "The famous fashion designer we were supposed to collaborate with."

Mrs. Larsen looked at Hailey and shook her head.

"Young lady, I came here today dressed as I did to see how your staff treats all kinds of customers," she revealed. "I must say, I'm deeply disappointed. I didn't expect this from such a big store."

Hailey couldn't believe her ears. She couldn't believe what she'd done.

"Mrs. Larsen, I-I'm so sorry!" Haily apologized. "I didn't know it was you. If I had known—"

"That's precisely the problem," Mrs. Larsen interrupted. "You shouldn't treat anyone the way you treated me today, regardless of who they are or how they're dressed."

Then, she turned to Mr. Thornton.

"I'm afraid I'll have to cancel our collaboration," she said. "I have no interest in working with a store that judges people based on their appearance."

"I understand, Mrs. Larsen," Mr. Thornton nodded. "I assure you; this behavior is not representative of our values. This is not how we expect our employees to behave."

"Right," Mrs. Larsen said as she turned to leave.

She walked a few steps before stopping near Simon.

"Young man, thank you for your kindness earlier," she smiled. "You tried to stop your colleague but it's a shame she didn't listen to you or follow your example."

And with that, she swept out of the store, leaving Hailey with a mountain of regret.

"Hailey, you're fired," Mr. Thornton's voice pierced through the awkward silence. "Clean out your locker and leave immediately."

"But sir, I didn't know—"

"That's enough, Hailey," he cut her off. "You sure don't want me to tell you what kind of a profit we could've earned by partnering with Mrs. Larsen."

"I'm so sorry, sir," Hailey said.

She stood in silence as the reality of the situation sank in. Her pride and judgmental attitude had cost her the job she'd been so proud of.

As she numbly gathered her things, she heard Mr. Thornton speaking to Simon.

"Simon, I'd like to offer you the position of store clerk," he said. "Your kindness and professionalism are exactly what we need here."

"Thank you, sir," Simon nodded. "I promise to treat every customer with respect, no matter how they look."

As Hailey walked out of Enchanté Boutique for the last time, she realized too late the value of kindness and the cost of prejudice. The lesson was painful, but it was something she'd never forget.

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This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided "as is," and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.