OK, had a good day today. On my way home this afternoon decided to hit two of my local stores in the MD/DC/VA area just to see what I might find. Didn't have alot of time, so just planned to conduct a cursory check of the garden area - generator, blower, chainsaw, etc., the tool area - tool boxes, tool bags, etc., and the clearance area.
Walked into the first store and went to the garden area. Hadn't been in the area a minute of two when I looked over at the display blowers and low and behold sat a brand new PB-500T blower sitting where a PB-580T had been sitting (in fact someone pushed the PB-580T back on the shelf so that they could put the 500T in its place). Nearly wet myself when I saw it there in all its glory with its tags, and a price sticker (see picture) attached to it with the SKU and a price of $319.99. Quickly put it in my cart and started towards the SCO. Before I could get out of the Garden Area, an employee called out to me and asked if I needed any help. Told him no I was good to go. Asked if I wanted to get one of the blowers in a box (the 580T). Told him no, that I had the model I wanted. Asked why I wanted the display - told him it was an older model which I had been looking for and left with a smile on my face.
Smile quickly disipated when I got to the SCO. Scanned the sku and it reflected the price as a penny. Added the item to my transaction and it went straight to the SEE ATTENDANT screen. Of course Attendant told me that the penny price was incorrect and she tried rescanning - it came up a penny, she tried putting inputting the SKU into her computer - it came up a penny, and that when she determined that something was wrong and I could not purchase same. Remained calm, told her that I had heard something about the Company Policy being if I find it and it scans for a penny, I get it for that price. She told me I was wrong and called over the head cashier. Head Cashier started her speech - it is not a penny, can't sell it at that price, have to pay the last clearance price. Asked her to call the manager. She calls someone in the Garden Area (the guy who was so helpful to me earlier). He tells me that he can not selll it to me for a penny and offers to sell it for the reduced price of $279. I tell thanks, but I would rather speak with a manager. Finally the Head Cashier calls for a manager, but it seems that he is too busy to respond. Garden guy comes back with a piece of paper showing a picture of the PB-500T and a price of $199. Head Cashier tells me that is the best price I am going to get. Tell her once again to call the manager or if necessary I will contact Corporate and seek their assistance. After approximately 15 minutes from when I first interacted with the Attendant, the Garden Guy comes back to the front and tells me his manager told him to tell me Merry Christmas as the blower is now mine free of cost. He further tells me that at that price I am unable to return the blower if it does not function - I acknowledge same and tell him I understand I get what I am paying for. Put the blower in the back of my car and decide to head home instead of going to the second store I had originally planned to go to.
As I am going home I decide to take a chance and go to the second store. Walked into the Garden Area and again find the deal of the day. I pick up a Ryobi Electric Looper (reg $99 - last clearance price I have seen in my area is $49.06) and go to the SCO to check the price. Might not have checked the box, but found it in the middle of the aisle, and the box looked a little worn. Tried to scan it at the SCO, but due to the shape of the box and the location of the SKU I had trouble. Before you could bat an eyelash the Attendant comes over with her scanner. She scans the box and it show the price as a penny. She doesn't seem to know what to do so she tried to call someone in the Garden Center. No response. After a few minutes she tries the store manager. Store manager tells her that she can not sell it for a penny, but would sell it to me for $5. She hangs up on him and tells me his response. I tell her that I am not spending $5. I tell her that if he is not willing to come out and talk that I will pay him a penny or he can give it to me. She calls him and tells him my ultimatium. There is no fight, no arguement, he says to sell it to me for a penny. I pay and walk.
Went to a third store on my way home to see if I can duplicate the Ryobi price - no deal, still $49.86 at the store - they have 3 of them. So all in all it was a good day.
As for the blower, it appears that I have all of the parts - the only thing I don't have is the manual and the engine oil (approx $2.50 and I have already found the manual on line). Hopefully the pipes I found adjacent to the blower will work. Not sure if they were for the 500T or the 580T. If any one knows, please feel free to comment. Thanks.
BTW - Know where a PB-500H blower is sitting. Wasn't sure if it was one of the units being clearance but have since seen where another GB member picked one up for a penny. Will be going to the store to see if I can snag it (son would love it), but I already know that that store does not readily sell penny items.
