LETTER: Present imperfect

From Ms Alexandra Richardson

Sir: I read Daniel Jeffreys' lament about the lack of gift wrapping in British stores. I can sympathise.

When I really get fed up with this tiresome skinflint attitude, I do have my revenge: I select an item for purchase in a store, take it to the counter, engage in talk to waste their time, wait for the bill to be laboriously written up. Then I ask for it to be boxed. When I get a dismissive rebuff, I reply "No box, no buy" and walk out. Maybe some day it will sink in.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Richardson

London, SW1