Saw a store in Portland close up in under 2 minutes flat

I was walking down 23rd last week and saw this little gift shop. The owner came out, flipped the sign to closed, and started pulling down the metal gate. I timed it on my phone, and from the sign flip to the last lock click was 1 minute 48 seconds. It was so smooth, like a practiced routine. Made me think, is that the goal for a fast closing, just pure speed? Or should there be a quick check inside first, like a walk through? I saw her just lock up and leave. On one hand, getting out fast is good, especially if you're alone at night. But on the other, what if a customer is still in a back corner or a light got left on? What's the better move here, speed or a quick safety check?

3 comments

3 Comments

hollyg592d ago

My closing routine takes twice that long because I always forget my keys. Pure speed is a skill I clearly lack.

nina_johnson8614h ago

Forgetting your keys is one thing, @hollyg59, but I'm stuck on the idea of locking a customer in the back room.

grant.sam2d ago

That shop owner on 23rd has her routine down, I'll give her that. But honestly, is a two minute close really something to worry about? If she's the last one there and knows the place is empty, locking up fast is just being smart. A full walk-through every single night seems like overkill for a small store. Most of the time, speed is just common sense, not a safety problem.