Up to 70% off all cameras, the sign screamed, its bright red letters unmistakable against the white background. It could have been there for months but on that day late last year, it drew me in.
I’d heard about them before I even moved to New York – these stores around Times Square that pull you in with the promise of good deals on electronic items. For years, I never even looked their way. Then, on an impulse, and thinking I was immune to the hard sell, I walked in.
Yes, young lady. What can I help you with today?
Just looking, I said, in my best I’m-not-interested voice.
You looking for a phone? camera? We’ve got the iPhone, iPad and all the cameras, all on sale. Seventy percent off. You looking for a camera?
At this point, I thought, what the heck?
Yes, I’m looking for a camera, I replied nonchalantly.
What kind of camera?
Canon, I told him.
Well, the Canon’s a good camera, but you’ve got to try this one.
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