Looks like the Grinch came to steal Christmas early this year.
Earlier this week, the internet went crazy after a Walmart vest signed by former employee Gail Lewis was listed for auction on eBay – and the bids quickly sent the price skyrocketing.
If you’re not familiar with the legendary Gail Lewis, she’s a former Walmart employee from Morris, Illinois (store #844) who posted a video to TikTok showing her…well, let’s just say overly dramatic…sign-off after her final day of employment after 10 years, along with a teary explanation that she was leaving because she got a better job but that she would miss her Walmart family.
@fluffygaileena♬ original sound – fluffygaileena
The sign-off, reminiscent of the emotional final calls of police and military officers on their last day on the job, quickly went viral online, with people jumping in to thank Gail for her service to her country.
@justusjunge Thank you for your Service Gail Lewis… #gaillewis #walmart #emotion #veteran #recovery #gail #lewis #meme #fy #fyp ♬ Originalton – Justus Junge
@etrips16 #MemeCut #gaillewis #walmart @Walmart #MemeCut #MemeCut #Meme ♬ Taps – American Military
@gamblingaddict._ Your service will not be forgotten.🇺🇸🫡#gaillewis #fyp #foryoupage #123 ♬ original sound – Himothy
@prozak.papi Thank you gail #fyp #gaillewis #walmart #trendingnow #trending #comedy #funny ♬ Taps – United States Coast Guard Band
Gail has become somewhat of a folk hero for her actions during her 10 years at Walmart, with many taking to TikTok to recount her many acts of bravery while serving her country.
@cashmoneycristian Still haven’t recovered #gaillewis #fyp ♬ original sound – Cristian
@bfbsbl3168 Gail Lewis was different. Sad to see the retirement. True Soldier. #gaillewis #primevideo #fyp #viralvideo ♬ original sound – david :)
And honestly, it’s one of my favorite things on the internet.
Well TikToker Eric Decker is apparently a big Gail Lewis fan too. So he reached out to the viral sensation and asked for her autograph.
Lewis agreed, so Decker flew to Morris, Illinois with a Walmart vest in hand to get it signed by the store’s most famous former employee.
But instead of keeping the autographed vest for himself, Decker is actually auctioning it off for charity – and even let Lewis pick which charity the proceeds would go to. (She decided to donate the money to the Children’s Miracle Network).
Well the internet being what it is these days, the auction obviously took off – and quickly reached over $400,000. FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
Insane.
But unfortunately, the massive bids caught the attention of the Grinches at eBay, who removed the auction and banned Decker from eBay entirely.
What do the folks at eBay have against fun? Or celebrating the heroes who make this country great? Answer me that, eBay.
There’s good news though. Decker was able to find another auction house to sell the vest, and even flew to New Jersey to deliver the vest to be authenticated.
And luckily, the vest is now back up for sale through Goldin Auctions, and the price is already up to over $3,000 after just being listed this morning.
Sure, it’s a far cry from the original bid of $440,000, but there are still 7 days left in the auction.
And who can really put a price on an autographed Gail Lewis jersey?
@airrackGail Lewis got me permanently banned from ebay
