Taking Stock - Jo-Anne Southern - Bog

A look inside the often exiciting world of a discount departent store in Toronto. The day to day rush of events spins an interesting tale of intrigue, theft, and general mayhem where every day reveals a new adventure. Samantha works as a buyer's clerk for the ladies wear buyer, Harold. His wife leaves him, then because of his old-fashioned ideas, management decides to replace him with a younger man. Store workers also feature in the story: two men plan a robbery, two office workers are embezzling money, one cashier is sex hungry and willing tio sleep with just about anyone, problems beset the chief of security, belligerent department managers make store management cringe and every one is extra busy in this period before Christmas. Staff is busy wrapping Christmas presents for the store's annual children's Christmas party. Plans are underfoot for the company dance and party at the Royal York Hotel. The sexy cashier is picked up by serial killer, but luckily survives. Samantha falls in love with her new boss and he takes her to meet his mother. The Christmas party is a success though the personnel manageress has cancelled the buses. Harold, reunited with his wife, takes over management of the new bargain basement. An interesting read with all too human characters possessed of a seemingly unlimited array of shortcomings and virtues that bring the story to life. All's well that ends well