Something funny happened to me recently. I was treated like a moron, by a moron. Admittedly, this is far from being the exception. In this instance, however, it was a local business, rather than the University.

I strolled into Village Commons Bookstore with the intention of returning a sweatshirt I had purchased because it seemed a bit too ugly in broad daylight to give to my girlfriend. I was shocked to hear from VCB personnel that since the label indicating the size had been cut out, I could not be reimbursed because the size could no longer be determined. I suggested the garment be compared to other sizes to aid in this difficult search. My proposal was cast aside. After being reprimanded, I was told flatly that the sweatshirt was not suitable for sale, and, according to store policy, was non-returnable. The salesperson then denied my request to see the manager, handed me my ugly sweatshirt, and walked away.

As I left, I commented that the store policy was not a good way to do business. However, it occurred to me that VCB is probably not too concerned with my future patronage or customer satisfaction. When bookstore choices are limited to either VCB or the Holmes Student Center, it is easily seen how such a poorly run establishment remains in business due to sheer proximity.

If confronted by grovelling VCB management and given an opportunity for reimbursement as a result of this letter, I would humbly deny the offer, keep my ugly sweatshirt, and continue finalizing the plans for “Brad’s Books and Things.”

Incidentally, the reason I purchased such an ugly sweatshirt is that having scanned VCB’s wide array of NIU wear, my expectation level was dragged down so low that I was brainwashed into perceiving that the one I had selected was actually attractive.

Brad Mitchell

MBA