Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I know I’m heading into trouble as soon as I spot the unorganised queue outside the telecom shop in City Centre Bahrain.
It is two minutes to opening time for the new iPhone 7 launch which happens to coincide with my son’s birthday. I hear people are queuing all around the world for the device.
Already, I can feel the tension in the crowd as the clock ticks closer to opening time. I have my sharp elbows at the ready to ward off latecomers at the back that who might think they can barge their way to the front.
I make it into the store amidst the throng of customers all in pursuit of the latest device, collecting my magic ticket with the number 103 printed boldly in black. Again, as in previous visits, there appears to be no rhyme or reason to the order the numbers are called and only time will tell.
Suddenly, I find myself paying close attention to the cashiers sat at their desks and I’ve got my hopes pinned on ‘cashier No 5’ who I have put at the top of my most efficient list.
Looks like the telecom company has underestimated the demand for the iPhone 7 because otherwise they might have put on extra staff to increase sales and customer satisfaction … but no!
Still, no sign of anyone walking out happily with the elusive iPhone 7? I continue to wait, whilst contemplating making a dash to a cafe for a takeaway latte but I can’t take the risk of missing my number being called.
To be honest, I’m also tracking the movements of a certain large, loud gentleman pacing up and down in front of every cashier with his number in his hand – I know that I’m before him in the queue!
Hold on, a customer is finally walking out with the iPhone 7, it only took 50 minutes. But wait, I’m about to blow a gasket … the pacing gentleman can no longer wait and cashier No 3 has been bullied into serving this arrogant man. So, obviously the ticket system is a complete waste of time!
I’m finally seen, only to be told there are no iPhone 7 Plus left in stock, they have sold out. Already? How can that be and why did it take 90 minutes of waiting to be told?
I give up and head for home, empty handed.
