My reading for the plane and layover tomorrow is Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping by Paco Underhill. I started it already and have discovered a reason why some stores have greeters at their entrances. Research shows that having someone say hello to a customer reduces the chance that they’ll steal something. Of course the friendliness may also make you more likely to buy something. Or it could drive the introverts away. I’ve often found, especially during the temporary employment Christmas season, that the greeter knows the least about the merchandise in the store. If I know exactly what I’m looking for, I usually ask them where it is after they say hello. Most of the time, they smile blankly, but nicely, and point me to someone else lucky enough not to have door duty.