| Hey Free Rangers, Thanks to all of you who are apparently drinking almost as much as I am, and have kept us going through an unprecedented and in all ways trying year. We really can’t thank you enough. The number of people I know who own and operate profitable small businesses is quite a bit smaller than the same list this time last year. We really wouldn’t be here without you. Wow, what a Yule Tide Shitshow the last couple of weeks have been. I’ve watched Clerks 3 times in 10 days (godbless Kevin Smith, and his gentle soul). Tourist season has been brutal, and if not for my many emotional support animals that our local friends bring in to calm the nerves, I’m not sure I would have made it. But this year’s front runner for worst person in the world (of our shop, for 2020) made an impressive entry for the title at the peak of volume on Christmas Eve. An older white guy came in, was greeted twice, twice declined help or questions, but had picked up 4 items in a row, including multiple of the same item, and put back a gift set on a different part of the table than he found it. “I’d really appreciate it if you’d ask more questions, and handle less items.” He pretended to understand and comply, had a few questions about some local spirits that he clearly wasn’t going to buy, which I answered. He didn’t respond to any of the descriptions or price quotes, and went back to what he was doing, on the other side of the shop. Once again he declined offers to discuss any of our products. At one point he sat on the floor, in front of the Ports and sherries, and asked Lisa to read him the fine print on the labels. He told Derek- one of the most affable people I’ve ever known- that he was being difficult. The third time I had to ask him to stop fondling bottles (he was literally running his fingers over every surface of the gift sets), he said, “Oh, I didn’t know I’m not supposed to touch anything, how am I supposed to tell what the bottle looks like?” I tell him about the website and the detailed images on which he can zoom in and see every detail, and even that there is a heated covered space outside where he could comfortably take a closer look. But he was buying a gift, and how could he possibly know if any of these things would be suitable gifts without feeling them in his hands? “Sir, we’re almost a year into a global pandemic, and I’m doing my best to keep our people safe.” It was at this point, he thought it a good idea to question the policy itself, “Well, that’s not how the virus is passed.” I explained that this was our policy and I wasn’t interested in negotiating it. I asked him again, if I could help his decision making in any way, which he declined, in the same breath that he complained about not being helped at all, because he wasn’t allowed to look, touch, and then ask questions of each item, in that order. About 20 minutes later (during which we lost at least 3 customers to physical capacity) he told us how rude we are, (even Lisa!) and left without spending a penny. I’m genuinely embarrassed that I didn’t just show him the door quite a bit sooner. I’m getting soft in my old age. It’s been a year. So it’s with heavy heads, bleary eyes, and hopeful hearts, that we unleash our latest exclusive Free Range Single Barrel Whiskey, by Far North Spirits: Roknar Free Range Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye! I know that’s a lot of words, but it’s delicious, high proof, farm to bottle juice from Minnesota, and we’re proud to offer it here at $10 below the retail price at which it is about to hit the shelf. Roknar FR Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye sale: $49 retail: $ We’ve also put together a few #EndOf2020 6-Packs offered at 15% off retail, check out the secret sale page here: (!) Click here to access the hidden sale page (!) ** This week only, as supplies last! ** * No other discounts apply.* Cheers, Jack Proprietor Free Range Wine & Spirits P.S. Free Range E-mail Archive |
 |
718.643.2250
info@freerangebrooklyn.com
