The Wife Store

In an alternate present, marriageable women are displayed by the thousands in large warehouse-like buildings called "The Wife Store". Women are organized by ethnicity, hair color, and other attributes. Their measurements are taken and kept on file.

Men will visit the store, where they will be accompanied by a concierge, who is always a prim young woman, usually Asian, for some reason. The concierges are always addressed as "Miss", e.g. "Miss Jenna" or "Miss Claire". The concierges are skilled, one hopes, in helping the man find their partner, by navigating the floor and showing him available women. Often, though, the men are only browsing, and seeing what's available with no real intention to select anyone.

Men are scored based on income, educational and professional attainment, and other accomplishments. Criminals and other undesirables may have just a few selections, while a corporate CEO can select from the very finest. Upon entering the store, a concierge will look up the man's score and steer him to view appropriate matches.

The women are displayed in glass booths with one way glass. For the most part, they won't know if they're being viewed or not. They wear everyday clothes. The higher rated woman are in larger cells, while lower rated ones may be two to a cell, or stacked three or four cells high.

if a man makes a selection, the couple is legally married, and the new wife must go home with the man.