Cry's Electronics

Has anyone heard of Fry's Electronics (I call it Cry's)? They used to have super lame commercials that were extremely low-tech and featured a smiley-faced yellow computer chip. Boy, did I hate those commercials. Cry's is a chain of stores that supposedly specializes in electronics but also offers magazines, assorted candies, maps, home appliances, and other non-electronics. Each Cry's is themed. The one in Woodland Hills, California, has an Alice in Wonderland theme. The one in Palo Alto has a Western theme. The one in Campbell has an Egyptian theme. Yes, what you see here is an Egyptian shrine/temple:Now, everytime I am about to go to Cry's, I have a melt down. I literally have to mentally ready myself for my visit. I don't know if others feel this way about Cry's, but it creeps me out. In an age of personalized service, Cry's is the only place that attempts to make everyone feel like a number. They have only recently upgraded their floor staff to English-speaking ones. But, the kicker is their receipt inspection policy. They herd you through a line of cash registers, and then when you get to the door, they insist on checking your bag to match up your items to your receipt. Look!


Well, this girl is not having it anymore. I am sick and tired of people rummaging through my stuff. I mean, I paid for it already so it's mine. These guys should just eat their shop-lifting losses like every other mega-store. It's not like they have better prices than, say, Circuit City, so who the hell do they think they are to check my private property? So, nowadays, I don't let them check my bag anymore. That has been my practice for the past 5 visits (about 2 years now). The secret is to have a hard look in your eyes as you are exiting and no eye contact. If you are with someone, don't chit chat with them. Make sure all of you guys look like anyone who dares approach you will be mowed down. Most of the receipt inspectors will avoid you because they aren't really that thick-skinned (especially the women). But, if you are approached by a thick-skinned male inspector who has the audacity to say, "I need to check your bag," your response should be, "No, this is my property," and then continue walking out. That's what I do. In fact, that's what I did yesterday when I bought Medal of Honor: Airborne. Yeppers.