Today I gave my first –probably last– hearty and sincere “Merry Christmas” of the season to a couple who are close to my heart. So close, they’re right in my lungs. And I don’t even know their names. I don’t even want to know. I like our relationship just how it is. Professional, courteous, friendly and polite. I don’t want to be a part of their lives, look after their cats –if they have any– or have dinner at their home.
The couple in question are the good people who own and operate “Cheers Smoke Shop” at McCaul and Baldwin. If you’re a pipe smoker, this is the best tobacconist in Toronto. Thomas Hinds has it moments, sure, but they’re in Yorkville and, well, let’s put it this way: They know they’re in Yorkville. The guy at Queen and Bathurst? Are you a crackhead? Every other customer in there is. Or a drunken hobo. And he has no tobacco anyway. Just cigarettes, bongs, ten dollar plastic (!) pipes and rolling papers.
The couple at Cheers always give me a good deal, putting the things they know I’ll like aside, reducing prices and being decent merchants. You probably shouldn’t expect this treatment. I’ve spent a fortune in there. The fellow claims that only one other man in Toronto smokes a pipe as seriously as I. I would find this fellow and kill him but it seems like a lot of work, I’m a bit out of breath and he’s killing himself anyway. Good for him.
Cheers to slow suicide!
This year they put a couple of tins of “Christmas Cheer” (a limited edition tobacco that only comes out at Christmas) aside for me and even gave me a gift. A snazzy pipe lighter. Those things aren’t cheap. I know. I have two. The “Christmas Cheer” is excellent and the pipe lighter is wonderful.
But neither is as good as the fine people who run that store. If every merchant was as kind and, more importantly, qualified as these two, the malls would be bankrupt and the world would be a happier, better place. They give the bourgeoisie a good name.
October 16, 2008 at 9:34 am
[...] Last year, my tobacconist gave me a Christmas gift. And, knowing my palate, he can always make a good recommendation. It’s a pleasant arrangement and I wouldn’t change it. I never ask for anything other than ability. That’s the most important thing in staff. I always endeavor to avoid being obnoxious. That’s the most important thing in a customer. [...]