I went to Sawmill Mall in Laurel today to purchase some walking shoes, and was pleased to see that there were at least three stores that sold the kind of shoe I was looking for. I walked into the first store and began looking at the merchandise without the slightest idea of how to choose a shoe. The labels on the boxes were no help at all. After about ten minutes of examining virtually all the shoes on display and receiving no offers of help, I walked out. The girl at the checkout counter saw me leave but showed no interest in why I was leaving without buying.

Perhaps the next store would be more accommodating. I walked in and started looking at shoes, much like I did at the first store. After five minutes of being tortured by loud music without my presence being acknowledged, I walked out of the second store. Again, no one seemed concerned that I didn't purchase anything. The clerks continued socializing with each other on the other side of the store.

Maybe the third time would be a charm. Guess what? Exactly the same experience as the first two.

Retail merchants pay onerous rent for a good retail location; why are they ignoring customers? Perhaps someone can explain how these people stay in business. I sure can't figure it out.