Today I am stopping the busy Wednesday work to write a note to both say goodbye to someone and a little more. A casual customer named Sam has moved away due to changes in his life. Though these are good reasons, it brings a sadness to me as another small piece of my life is leaving to.
I wanted to say thank you, wish him the best in his journey and also extend a hopeful welcome that he will visit again given the opportunity.
A little more… Comic Book Store workers are people. We often grow comfortable with customers and sometimes even consider them more friends or acquaintances than patrons. A tough line to walk as things can often change both for reasons like Sam’s, or instances happen that do not go so well. I mention this as Sam was kind enough to stop in during a busy day prior to departure just to say goodbye and thank you. That actually is very important to myself, the staff here and I think most small businesses in general.
I’ve been at this for 20 years, I like to think the service is only the beginning of our combined journey and that if it does end, for good or bad reasons, it isn’t with just a disappearance act. 39 people in the past 20 years have left without “goodbye, you s***! or I have to quit because…” and one has past away. I can tell you that number because I remember you all for who you are as I am sure Jon, Keith, Jaime or whoever your past or current Comic Dealer is.
Take care Sam! Hope to see you soon.