In a drug store we carry a lot of items that many would consider embarrassing to have to purchase but I have often been asked for them anyway.  Hemorrhoid cream, incontinence pads, lice spray, cold sore medication and jock itch cream are among the items that most people would look around for by themselves for quite a while before asking a clerk for help.  (I know I would if I needed any of those–in fact I might even order it online instead of having to have a cashier ring it up for me…)

But in all my years, there is one item I have NEVER been asked for.   We carry it and it must sell chainwide because otherwise it would be discontinued.    My belief is that most of them get stolen, but perhaps a few brave souls actually purchase it.

The item is “MANDELAY” gel.  In case you can’t figure it out from the name, it is a gel that is rubbed on the genitals prior to sex to keep a male from getting his cookie too soon.   While I’d assume the typical user is between 14 and 18 years old, tonight I was approached by a 20-something guy and asked “Do you have that um, spray, that you spray on your testicles, to ummm you know, keep things from happening too soon?”   And on top of that, he was with 2 of his friends at the time.   Trying to be professional (of course!) I walked him to the item, and when he picked it up he asked “So how much should I use exactly?”  OK pal,  you’re getting referred to the pharmacist on THAT one.

So I guess I’ll give him credit for having the ummm testicles to ask for the item, in front of his friends no less, but I will have to report him to get his membership in the Man’s Club revoked.  That’s what I love about retail, there’s  something new every day that you’ve never seen before.