The first day on the job and I was shown by the owner, Kathy, where everything was and what the expectations were of me. A small clothes shop had seen a rise in thefts and the previous guy had to leave for circumstances Kathy 'would rather not go into'. Her eye brows raised as she said it. 'This is my only full time member of staff' she says as she takes me to the counter. 'This is Kelly, she's been with me since I opened this place 8 years ago'. I had felt Kelly's eyes follow me round the store, either in curiosity, or impressed at what she saw. I have a look up and down myself. A larger lady which I do like, lace strap over shoulder so open to wearing decent underwear (not granny pants or off white bras I hoped), huge breasts, and a plump 'take me from behind' ass. If she was in a sexy thong she'd be taking it from behind, I snap back into the moment as Kathy talks. Our introduction is brief, 'I tend not to come into the city that much' Kathy adds, Kelly is nodding her head continuously, i get the impression there is more to her, 'and there is no CCTV system behind those cameras', Kathy continues, 'so it's all down to you two to monitor what goes on'. 'Thats ok'. I say and smile. No CCTV system but cameras on show. I had no security background but even i knew, if you know how to shoplift properly, you know how to spot this cheap trick. Even one looking at the curtain of the changing rooms. How has no one complained about that before? Everything seemed laid back, even giving me a job, a complete random without any security checks, training, or badges. I was happy though, getting a job at the start of my travels in a country I was told it be hard to get casual work. In 2024, that may now be true, but 2002, seemed to be a lot easier than I thought it would.
I looked round the store, surprised at the lack of surf equipment other than display stuff not for sale. It was all clothing. Bikinis, swim suits, shorts, vests, tshirts, briefs and lingerie. I found that to be odd but it was not my store to question it. Kathy soon disappeared leaving Kelly and I to get to know each other. The start was a little awkward with no one entering the store in a few hours, and with Kelly doing the inventory, I started to look about. Standing at the door served no purpose, especially with an old school bell system to let you know someone had entered. There was no music or videos playing, I already looked at ways to improve the store. It was of decent size. Enough to have a store room, an office, rest/break room and two changing rooms to the rear of the store. The lingerie section was small but not the type I would associate with surfer chick's. I thought they'd wear boyshorts or briefs, but no, lace thongs, frenchies, matching bras, lace type basques, of all colours. I must have been looking too long as Kelly came out and laughed. 'You wondering why they are in a surf shop?'. I smile, 'pretty much yes'. 'That was my idea' she continued, 'our target are the 20s early 30s. The instagram lot. It boosted sales for a while, brought in a different type of customer, still brings them in today'. 'Different customer?' I ask. 'Non surfer types, but even they have got more involved', 'and these' I ask, holding up the skimpiest of thong bikinis. She laughs, 'are you not on Instagram? It's what they all wear now. Not surfers, just beach wear'. My eye brows raised as I put them back. 'So what happened to the last security guard' I asked. 'Oh I am not allowed to say' she smiles and winks. Intrigued but I drop it without pushing. I get the impression I'll be told in time. I was told I'd only be needed a few days a week but to expect to be given more with the holiday coming up. I was happy with anything I could get, in work or otherwise.... |
looking good 
