Just before going to the patisserie I went into Holland and Barrett to get some lavender oil and almond oil. One of the assistants addressed me as madame when she asked if I needed help. When I went to pay the till offered another bottle of almond oil for nothing.
She addressed me as madame when she relayed this to me. Then she asked if I was a member and when I said no she pointed out that if I join I'll get 3 GBP off my next purchase. So I said yes and the screen showing my purchases switched to ask for my email address and name, so I filled those in as Nina with her prompting me through the process and scattering madames like confetti. But she spoilt it at the end when she handed over the receipt and said "Thank you sir."
This exchange would be unheard of in Norway where the equivalent words exist but are used only in jest or ironically.
