Local Kmart icon retires: 'He makes the world a better place just by being in it'

In the heart of East Maitland, New South Wales, a beloved figure bids farewell after 18 years of service at the local Kmart.

Amidst the bustle of the store, Glenn, the cherished doorman, has become a familiar face, spreading joy and laughter to all who crossed his path.

Join us as we delve into the heartwarming story of Glenn's final shift and the touching tribute he received from his community.


After 18 years of greeting customers, sharing smiles, telling ‘dad jokes’ and spreading cheer, a beloved Kmart doorman in East Maitland, New South Wales, received a heartwarming farewell for the ages from his community.

Glenn, the cherished doorman at the Stockland Green Hills Kmart store, worked his final shift before retiring last week.

But his last day was no ordinary one; hundreds of local residents gathered outside the store and gave him a ‘Surprise Clap Out’, with customers applauding as he emerged.

The moving scene was captured on video, showing a visibly touched Glenn waving to the cheering crowd and stopping to chat and joke with his many admirers, young and old.


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Glenn bids farewell to those he brought joy to by using his receipt scanner one last time. Credit: Facebook


Children, parents, and grandparents alike came out to bid farewell to the man who had brightened their shopping trips for nearly two decades with his ‘joyful’ and ‘chirpy’ presence.


‘He’s the funny and chirpy grandpa to all the kids who visit Kmart; my little ones especially love him, and my big kids think he’s awesome and has great dad jokes’ one parent said.

‘They wanted to skip school to go to Kmart to see him off,’ another parent commented.

Locals shared stories of how Glenn went out of his way to connect with customers and put a smile on their faces, even if only for a moment. His quick wit and brilliant jokes were legendary.


Glenn received a touching 'Surprise Clap Out' on his final shift. Credit: Facebook


‘What a great turnout! Even people who had no idea before joined the rest to send Glenn off.’ one person wrote.

‘Our family wishes Glenn a wonderful, long, and fulfilling retirement,’ he continued.

‘Such a beautiful send-off for an awesome man. Honestly, I’ve never encountered someone so happy, friendly, and kind at the shops. He will definitely be missed,’ another one wrote.

‘I walked out yesterday with containers and a basket,’ one shopper recounted. His comment was so fast: ‘Now you're contained; don't become a head basket!’


A community member captured the community's affection for Glenn: 'He makes the world a better place just by being in it.'

Tributes also flooded social media as they recalled Glenn's legendary dad jokes.

You can brighten up someone else’s day with jokes too!

We have plenty of examples in our Jokes & Fun section.

Key Takeaways

  • Members of the East Maitland community formed a guard of honour to bid farewell to Glenn, a Kmart doorman who retired after 18 years of service.
  • The tribute, known as the 'Surprise Clap Out', saw customers and staff participating and applauding as Glenn completed his final shift.
  • Heartfelt messages and tributes poured in on social media, celebrating Glenn's joyful presence and famous dad jokes that delighted customers.
  • Glenn, known for his friendly and kind nature, was described as someone who made the world a better place and is now looking forward to spending more time on his hobby.

Do you have a story about someone in your community who made a difference? Have you experienced a touching farewell like Glenn's? we'd love to hear from you in the comments below.
 

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In all my trips to Kmart there I have never encountered Glenn on the door. What a shame for me as he seems like such a nice gentleman, hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement. What changes he would have seen, not only in Kmart, but in the whole shopping centre.
 

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