The Penultimate Return

L.L. Bean allows customers the bonanza of returning any item -- irrespective of age or wear.

Several years ago I was in line waiting to return several shirts, a pair of jeans, and one belt. None of the items had been worn-- but all were bought five months before --on my last visit to the store.

A woman in an adjacent line placed a rather well worn sweater on the counter

"What's the problem?"

" This sweater, " she said, " has a moth hole."

It took some time to find the original price of the item.

" Do you want the money or a store credit.?"

" The money. I'm not shopping today. That shouldn't have happened."