Sometimes I'm just amazed by people's cluelessness

[tularetom]

I went into the hardware store this morning to buy some 2 cycle oil for my chain saw. The owner waited on me. I've known this guy for probably 30 years. His dad started the business. I never considered him a candidate for Mensa, but I've always respected his business smarts and his ability to keep his mom and pop operation viable in the face of competition from the likes of Home Depot and Lowes.

As he rings up my purchase he asks me "Are you interested in owning a hardware store? Do you know anybody who might be?"

Me: "Why? You thinking of selling?"

Him: "I'm not thinking about it. I'm getting the hell out. Leaving California"

Me: "Gee I knew business was bad but I didn't think it was that bad."

Him: "No the clientele has changed. Too many Mexicans."

Me: "Well that's too bad. We'll miss this place. By the way, where are you moving to?"

Him: "El Paso Texas."

I was fucking speechless.