Friday Black

During his break, IceKing, a top-performing sales associate at the Prominent Mall, assists a family with their shopping. The family wants to get two coats for the father and the son. During their search, the daughter, Leah, plays around with some of the clothes on display.

IceKing, who was given his nickname by the store’s district manager, Richard, is dedicated to his sales performance and the reputation it gives him. He usually takes time from his breaks to close additional sales. His skill is matched only by a promising new salesgirl and young mother named Florence.

After letting the father try on a credibility jacket, IceKing assists him in finding a cheaper coat. Leah calls for the group’s attention but is immediately dismissed by her parents. The father checks the coat’s price tag and frowns. IceKing downsells them on a cheaper coat of similar quality, pretending he wears it to school in Albany, New York. Florence, who was recently promoted to assistant manager, interrupts IceKing’s sales talk to take over, sending him on his break. Florence’s presence reminds IceKing of the resentment he feels for her. He is conflicted, feeling on one hand that he is the best salesman the mall has ever seen but also believing he is meant for better things outside of retail.