Bloody hell, do I ever despise Staples.
Every time I visit the store — every time and without fail — the product I’m searching for is either
- something they don’t carry and therefore impossible to find in-store
- out of stock and therefore impossible to purchase at that point in time
- in stock and bleeds all over my jacket (this point being, thankfully, a one-time experience).
;
, or;
I mean, honestly, is it so hard for a store which is said to specialize in office supplies and stationery to actual carry — and keep in stock — what the consumer wants to purchase?
This evening, for instance, I went there in the pursuit of a set of sketch pencils, such that I may employ my imagination and the sketch pad purchased as a birthday gift for me by my future mother-in-law. Of the numerous brands and sets that Staples allegedly carries, not a single type was to be found on the shelf nor anywhere else in the store.
Now, normally, this wouldn’t be enough to put me in a foul mood. Items not being on the shelf or being sold out or not being carried is an all too common occurance when frequenting any business you care to name. However, this isn’t the first time nor is it likely to be the last; with Staples, this has gone beyond common and entered the realm of routine.
you should go to micheal’s art store. they carries EVERYTHING. and i’m so psyched that you’re sketching! you’ll have to show me what you create when you create it! speaking of sketching, i got something for you, that i hope you will enjoy immensely.
screw staples! go to superstore for supplies. cheaper! or even zellers!
In regards to sharing my sketches with you — or anyone, Jill — I’ll have to opt with an irresolute maybe, if only because these are but baby (baby!) steps I’m taking with a medium I’ve hardly scratched the surface of in approximately fifteen years. That, and depending on what (read: who) I sketch — heh, and how — you may not want to see them. I’ll keep it in mind, though; afterall, you’ve been very generous in showing me the products of your pencil before!
All of this depends, of course, on my finding tools appropriate to the task. Michelle, I actually checked Superstore before Staples because I was there already buying some groceries but, perhaps more importantly, because Staples has shown itself to be pure ass when it comes to carrying anything I want to buy. As evident, Superstore didn’t have what I needed, prompting me to visit Staples.
Where is this art store you speak of, Jill?
grr i see. for now, you could just use a gold old number 2 normal HB pencil! they write too. ;)
also, check the paintspot on whyte ave. maybe closer than michael’s. pencils are abundant everywhere, i swear.
As the daughter of an artist, I second the vote for the Paint Spot. Not only is it closer, it’s a specialty store with knowledgeable staff. Michael’s is the WalMart of the art world — it’s a big box store that carries more craft-y stuff and it tends to be a little lacking on variety even though it’s sometimes cheaper.
Such is my two cents…
Paint Spot is also good…but expensive (speaking from a students perspective anyhow). If you’re still interested, Micheals is located in South Edmonton Common, ironically enough, right by staples!
Good luck in your quest!