Just returned from a trip to AutoZone and it was some kind of sign of the times.

The cashier looked to be about 17 years-old, and was pierced in all the normal abnormal places.  When I asked her to look up the oil filter for my truck, she was attentive and competent. She did say “fuck” much more than one would expect from a cashier.   She was new to the job, so asked her colleague to help her with the oil special I wanted.  

The colleague had the same 110 lb, 17 year-old girl look, but sported a hipster cap with some kind of band name.  The way they interacted, she seemed like a skate punk who got her girlfriend a job. 

While the cashier was fetching the oil filter, the colleague explained how the specials worked at AutoZone and how often they changed.  What oil filter goes with what kind of oil, that kind of relevant and useful info.

As I was leaving, the cashier said, “Have a nice day.”  Being the chatty type, I responded with a laconic, “I’m changing the oil, how much fun am I going to have?”   She said, “Well, at least you aren’t doing tires or brakes.” 

That was a nice, knowledgeable and optimistic response.

It got me thinking that if alternative girls are the future for AutoZone, that’s okay with me.  They were as competent and personable as you’d want.