Shirtless in Key West (well, almost!)
Giving someone the shirt off your back can also work out better for you!
I walked into the Nine Line Store on Duval Street in Key West. I love Nine Line and have several of their shirts. In addition, I love the stories of both Nine Line and Black Rifle Coffee Company. Before I took a few steps into the store, the salesclerk behind the counter said, "If you take that shirt off, I will give you a choice of any shirt here for free. You'll just have to turn that one over to me and leave it here."
Huh? I thought to myself, that was one weird greeting, but then again, it is Key West, which is always, well, a bit unpredictable!
Before I could say anything else, she informed me that the brand of shirt I was wearing at that moment claimed to be made in America but was actually produced in Western China. She told me that she was authorized to offer a free exchange for anyone who came in wearing one.
I inquired, "What do you do with the one I'm wearing?"
She motioned me to walk with her, and she took me to a drawer full of the brand of shirt I had on. She said, "We cut off the American flag, save those, then burn these shirts."
She wasn't kidding. I took her up on the offer. I found the shirt I wanted and put it on. Before I handed over the other shirt, she took a picture and sent it to her manager, documenting the replacement. She also gave me a receipt. That's the split picture above.
The moral of the story? The next time someone asks you for the shirt off your back, give it to them. You might just get something better in return!