Wal-Mart's dating service ends
Wal-Mart Nixes 'Singles Shopping'
ROANOKE, Va. (AP) -- Wal-Mart has ditched a program that helped single shoppers find love in the discount store's aisles.Officials at Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., ordered their Roanoke store to put an end to Singles Shopping, the only program of its kind at Wal-Mart's U.S. stores.
Taking a cue from Wal-Marts in Germany, the month-old program encouraged customers on Friday evenings to pick up a red bow they could place on their shopping carts as an invitation to other singles. "Flirt points" were set up in various sections of the store.
A Wal-Mart spokesman declined to comment on the reason behind the program's cancellation. But customer Dale Firebaugh, who showed up Friday night hoping to meet his match, said store employees told him several people had complained.
"I'm disappointed," said Firebaugh, 63. "Where can someone over 40 who doesn't smoke or drink or go to bars meet someone?"
Maybe we should bring our own red ribbons for our carts. Don't let The Man stop our dream of buying a microwave, a shower curtain, shoes, and steak, all while flirting with other singles.
Oh, wait... I think most people are doing that at WalMart already, only without the ribbons.
It certainly sounds interesting, as it's a way to meet people without the annoyance of cover charges and buying drinks for women who only are only at the bar to get free drinks. In general the bars aren't a good way to meet someone who is going to honestly represent themselves. Would WalMart be any better? I find I'm always there for a purpose, and I don't want distractions from that end. One's purpose can always be redefined.
Here are questions for my non-existent readers:
1) Do you flirt with people at grocery stores?
2) How about stores like WalMart?
3) Have you ever gone on a date with someone you met at a store?
4) Where did you meet the current (or last) person you dated?
There's a lot of good discussion material in this topic. Have fun with it.
Comments
1. No 2. No 3. No 4. Christian groups I read an article which stated that one of the best places to meet women is in shopping areas (like Walmart). Bookstores and coffee shops also made the list. The worst areas? Bars, place of employment and family reunions (duh).
Best dating advise I have ever heard: Want to meet a girl? Buy a cute dog, walk it often ;)
Posted by: Craig | August 4, 2005 11:31 PM