I'm in Washington state, and I do a bit of reselling. So I go to thrift shops and such. Tonight at goodwill I was approached by the manager and told that I'm required to wear a mask if I want to shop here. I said "Are you asking me to leave?" She told me that if I was going to be quick I could finish, but started going on about how it's been a year and a half and that everyone should know by now. I said I know its been a year and a half and we're done with the games. I told her no one else has said anything to us anywhere else. She again started going on about how that's because they're bigger stores (not true) and they're a smaller store so it's easier for them to notice, losing patience in her voice. So I told her Im not going to argue with her and turned around and ended up just buying the few things I'd picked up and we left.
I know I shouldn't have given them money, but its my own livelihood at stake as well if I'm forfeiting over profits to protest their store.
Other than that, does anyone have any additional advice on how I should handle situations like this going forward? I'm sick to my stomach. Getting told to leave a store for not complying with tyranny. In the United States of America. Genuinely feel bad right now. I feel anger and sadness.
Don't let it bother you, just mock it. That is better for your health and helps to waken some people up
For some reason (new mandate?) the Marshall's store had covid guards when I went there Saturday to get a nice sweater for my girls Mom. (it is cold. brrr) I had not seen anything like this in over a year at any store, In fact most people are not masked including the employees at stores in this area.
As soon as I walked in they came at me, with a box of masks in their hand, saying.. "You need to wear a mask.", I circled around them, keeping my distance, then slowly backed away (into the store) as I puzzled them with logic.
First, with a shocked look, I said "What is going on? is there a new virus outbreak or something? Sorry I don't watch the News they all lie."
One lady said "This is a new city mandate, just implemented yesterday for covid."
I said "COVID? I think you are 2 years out of date, that pandemic ended early 2021."
She says "It is a new variant, it is very infectious."
so I say "And they think wearing masks now will stop it? You know you should not be right up in peoples face as soon as they enter the store, causing a traffic jam, it is YOU who are spreading it. AND here you are handing out masks,.. that's nice and all but if you are infected then you are basically handing out small pox blankets to the entire population."
She looked a bit stunned.
Then I said, "You need to keep your distance! No one has to wear a mask if we socially distance, go look up the guidance from the CDC and WHO, it has stated this from the start ... people should wear a mask ONLY if they can not socially distance. You DON'T have to do both. Have a nice day."
I went on shopping, no mask, and nobody at all approached me, on my way out I waved to the covid guards, I smiled and said "Have a great weekend."
This is pretty great to read. Thank you. Helps to hear it from others, and it sounds like you handled it well.