Plenty of good salesclerks out there in stores

Many of those experienced in the art of shopping called after reading last week's column dealing with getting help finding or buying merchandise.

"Right on, girlfriend!" Faith James said in a voicemail. "A huge, hearty Amen!" said Eleanor Franz, who called very early in the a.m. because she couldn't sleep.

Frances Kozicki made it clear in her e-mail that she hates to shop and the dislike is worse when she goes in a super-size store and can't find what she wants. "I usually just leave," she said.

I also got a suggestion from a woman named Rebecca. When she can't find anyone to wait on her in a department store, she goes to the phone by the cash register and dials the operator. She explains she can't find anyone to help her. "In no time there is someone there to help me," she said. "Sometimes it's the store manager."

Speaking of phones, Carolyn Lindsey says she loves Target because you can pick up one of the phones throughout the store, say where you are and that you need help, and someone comes in a matter of a minute or less.

Which brings up the point that often, there are many helpful, friendly people in the stores ready to make shopping a pleasant and easy experience.

Dee Smith wrote about a nice surprise recently when she shopped a sale that lasted only a few hours, complete with coupon savings. She scored big-time and had a ball. She said, "The clerk insisted upon carrying my bedding purchase, shoes and apparel out to put into the trunk of my car!"

She said she was gratified, astonished and convinced that helpfulness, respect and good manners haven't vanished after all.

We all have our good and bad shopping experience stories, and with holiday shopping coming up, chances are we'll add to those.

Ahh, yes, here comes the time of year when shoppers, clerks and those trying to find a parking place must remember to practice patience — and remember that one good smile deserves another.

Hang on, there

When I read about Freshhanger, I thought, "Who needs that?" But after trying one, I'm wishing I had thought of the idea.

It's a cover that fits any clothes hanger, and its job is to eliminate microscopic odor-causing substances from clothing.

Anytime I was around cigarette smoke, I'd hang my clothes outside. So I was happy to find that Freshhanger was a good alternative. Beats sending clothes to the dry cleaner every time.

The hanger covers are $14.99 for a pack of five. Go to freshhanger.com or call Ideal Home Innovations, 866-530-6580.

Reach Bonnie Bing at 316-268-6246 or bbing@wichitaeagle.com.