Vintage store says ‘we can debate masks when you come and sell your dead grandmother’s clothes’ in blunt sign

A VINTAGE store has divided opinion with a blunt sign warning potential shoppers they will not be able to enter without a mask.

The notice reads: “We will be happy to debate the efficacy of masks with you when this is all over and you come in to sell your dead grandmother’s clothes.”

The sign was posted after the store co-owner, Sarah Bingham, grew frustrated with some customers who were combative about wearing masks inside her store.

The posting mandating masks at Antique Sugar, a clothing store in Arizona, was printed in big bold letters on four sheets of paper.

It reads: “If you choose not to wear a mask, we respectfully ask that you postpone your visit. We will be happy to debate the efficacy of masks with you when this is all over and you come in to sell your dead grandmother’s clothes.”

Bingham uploaded the photo on her personal Facebook account on Monday, 10 days after the City of Phoenix joined several cities across Arizona in requiring residents to wear masks in public spaces.

“Nobody likes wearing a mask. This isn’t fun. It is uncomfortable, especially here in Phoenix. It is hot, but it’s literally the smallest gesture we can make,” Bingham told local news outlet ABC15.

While Bingham thanked the majority of Antique Sugar shoppers complied with the safety precautions, some were skeptical about the importance of wearing face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Do I really have to wear a mask in here? You know they don’t work right? I don’t want to this. Do I really have to do this?” Bingham told the Sun what some customers said to her.

The sassy requirement struck a nerve and received great a deal of attention online.

One displeased customer posted on Antique Sugar Instagram page.

“Congratulations on losing a bunch of customers due to your stupid notice on your door.”

While another praised Bingham’s efforts: “I was in your awesome store back in Dec on my visit to phx, and I can’t wait to come back (in a mask). Thank you for being consistently rad!”

Nonetheless, Bingham said the store has received “way more positive feedback. For every nasty message we get, we are getting 10 to 15 positive messages,” Bingham paused to greet customers as she spoke with the Sun “Our phone is ringing off the hook. So many messages from nurses, and grandmas, and people from all over the country who call and say thank you.”

Bingham even received messages from overseas customers, asking to purchase vintage clothing from her store.

“Somebody from United Arab Emirates Dhabi asked if we ship there,” Bingham said she looked into it, but the shipping cost was high so she did not end up making the sale.

However, she appreciated the efforts people made in reaching out to her.

Bingham added that since the sign has gone viral, Antique Sugar has been “very busy”.