Today, when headed to lunch at the South Street Seaport, I happened to pass by an Abercrombie & Fitch store. 95 in the shade, and doors wide open.
I went inside, and asked if they were aware of the law that requires them to close the store door when the air-conditioning is running.
I didn’t have a recorder going, but this was how some of the conversation went.
Me: Do you know this is illegal?
Employee Sandeev(?): This is private property, we can do whatever we want.
Me: Do you think you could have no smoke detectors or pay people less than minimum wage?
Employee Sandeev: This is private property
Me: I’m not sure you understand the meaning of ‘illegal’.
The manager comes over. His name is Uriah (sp?)
Me: This is bad for the environment.
Uriah: I really hate all the water waste, and they don’t recyle in midtown. You should do something about that.
Me: Cool. We can work on that together, but right now, let’s keep the focus on your door.”
Me: Aren’t you concerned with all the wasted electricity?
Uriah: What we’re concerned with is selling people great looking shorts and cool sunglasses (yes, he really said that).
Me: I’m going to take a picture of the store with the door open.
Uriah: You’re not allowed to do that.
Me:I’m not taking a photo in the store, I’m taking one from outside.
(While standing 20 feet onto sidewalk and taking the photo).
Female employee (who happened to be standing outside): You’re not allowed to do that.
Me: Do what?
FE: Take a picture of the store.
Me: Well you better call the police, then.
FE: Take a picture through the open doors.
Me: This is a public space, are you familiar with the Constitution?
FE: Well, you’re in my space. Sandeev, can you get rid of this guy?
Sandeev (who had come outside): Well, we can just go inside.
They then proceed to close the door (see below), but when I came back from lunch, the door was again open.
Howdy!
If that guy Uriah is named for the man that King David had killed in the Bible, then that is the correct spelling.
But maybe he was named for the band Uriah Heep (or the Dickens character of the same name).
My money is on the rock group.
And man, are those guys annoying at that store!! At least that's my opinion . . .
Posted by: John C | July 12, 2012 at 04:32 PM