Today at about 5.30pm I walked into William Rose, a butchers on Lordship Lane. There were two customers, already being served, who soon left. For over five minutes I watched the nine members of staff behind the counter ignoring me. All nine did seem busy - certainly there was much chatter - but at no point was my presence acknowledged, nor a be-with-you-in-a-minute nod offered, let alone an apology for the wait. Perhaps it was closing time (and were I likely to try shopping there again I'd doubtless take the trouble to research their business hours.) If so, it's the first time I've encountered the retail policy of eschewing the traditional explanation about trading having ceased for the day in favour of ignoring customers until they work it out for themselves. I popped into a nearby shop owned by a friend, and was told about the East Dulwich Forum, where bewildering experiences such as this can be shared. I spent the ?80 for our impromptu BBQ party meat elsewhere.
