So I stop at the CVS in Central Square in Cambridge, MA. Work is a block (or two, depending on your math & map) from the square. I find where they stock the Quaker Chewy Variety Pack & grab a box. I bring it up to the front where the self checkout machines are located.
Which is where & when the fun started.
The computer refuses to sell me the box. It scans fine, but then tells me "You can not make this purchase at this time." Repeatedly. So I summon the attendant.
He comes over, sees the problem, and tries to override the computer. The computer, however, is smarter than he is, ad he can't figure out how to allow the sale. So after a few tries he asks me to go to the counter, and he'll have someone ring me up there. So over I go.
I wait a few minutes, and up comes the cashier. He yells at the attendant because he had to come from the back for one item, then goes to ring me up.
Only the computer was smarter than him, too. He couldn't figure out how to tell the register it was OK to sell me a box of granola bars. After five minutes of him trying to outsmart a machine, he gave up.
And told me he wasn't allowed to sell the box after 10pm.
When I finished laughing at him, I asked him to confirm that. Nope, it's too late for him to sell me the box. I stared at him a bit, then walked out.
On the other side of Mass Ave is a Walgreens. I walked over there - mid-block - and went straight to where they had the granola bars. Grabbed a box. Went to the register. *Bleep* Sale went right through. Gave them my money, took my granola bars to work. Finally.
I find myself wondering how many other things CVS can't sell after 10pm, considering it's open 24 hours.
What's the most insane shopping experience that you've ever had?
