A while back I noted that a Virginia Wal-Mart had adopted the German-inspired practice of hosting a singles’ night. Sadly, for Dale Firebaugh and others, there will be no more of that:
Corporate officials in Wal-Mart’s Bentonville, Ark., headquarters abruptly ordered the Roanoke store yesterday to cancel its month-old Singles Shopping program, the only one of its kind in the nation. Singles were encouraged to sport a red bow on their shopping carts to let other lonely-hearts bargain hunters know they were available. … Disheartened single Dale Firebaugh, 63, of Roanoke said he showed up last night hoping to meet an attractive woman only to be told by store employees that corporate higher-ups buckled after several people complained about the program. “I’m disappointed,” Firebaugh said. “Where can someone over 40 who doesn’t smoke or drink or go to bars meet someone? I’m really disappointed that they would let a couple of little complaints stop Singles Shopping.” … Firebaugh said he went to the Wal-Mart the previous Friday during Singles Shopping hours and met a beautiful 45-year-old woman with whom he later had a dinner date. Last night, after learning of the program’s demise, he bought a red ribbon in the store’s fabrics section for 26 cents and stood by the front doors, partly in protest and partly in hopes that single women would recognize the ribbon as an invitation to chat.
Wal-Mart suits won’t say why they squashed singles’ night. But the whole thing has the feel of a lame corporate cave-in. Whole thing here. (Via Sploid.)