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@fluffygailena ♬ Original song –
A longtime Walmart employee has gone viral on social media after giving an emotional greeting to his fellow employees, announcing the “end of an era.”
Gail Lewis has become an Internet icon after claiming she is leaving the multinational chain store in Illinois where she has worked for the past 10 years.
“Attention Walmart, this is Gail Lewis,” she said into the walkie-talkie. “Associate of 10 years, Morris, Illinois 8-4-4, signed out, good night.”
Lewis was brief and to the point during his greetings, but became emotional as he left his favorite store and returned to his car.
“So today was the end of an era for me,” Lewis said. “What you just saw is me signing out for the last time at Walmart, where I’ve worked for 10 years.”
Mr. Lewis then spoke about his bittersweet feelings of joy and sadness at leaving his beloved store.
“It’s so sad because I’m going to get a better job and they’ve become like family. I’ve been through a lot with them. I also saw their backs. They helped me and I helped them,” Lewis said.
“We went through the pandemic together,” she said of her colleagues. “It just hurts, but I’m happy and sad because wherever I go, I’m going to be better where I am, and that’s it.”
Since she uploaded it on Nov. 16, the viral video has been viewed more than 22.5 million times, garnered more than 80,000 followers, and many people have started creating glowing stories about her past.
Fabricated backstories created by social media users include stories about Lewis’ ability to stop shoplifters and how Lewis was running for the NFL, with captions comparing the former Walmart employee to the career of MLB superstar Mike Trout. It is reported that
Lewis also received more than 38,800 comments, most of which congratulated the former Walmart employee.
One commenter said: “I wish Gail all the best.”
Another comment referenced the practice of teams hanging retired numbers and jerseys above the playing surface during sporting events, joking: “You have to hang your vests in the rafters when you’re done.”
Lewis has not yet revealed what his new job will be.
“We are grateful for Gail’s service at our Morris, Illinois, store and will miss her very much.” According to NBC, Morris store manager Carrie Moses has contacted Gail about future opportunities through the company. I said good luck.