Life In Retail

I have an incredible amount of respect for those who work in retail. Until being hired at a clothing store myself, I had no idea the atrocities that took place and the strain of presenting an organized and desirable store. No doubt some stores are better off than others and don't get me wrong, I love my job, but customers can be so rude!

Think about this-
Would you go into a strangers bedroom and empty the contents of their drawers onto the floor moments before you know they will be going to bed? No? Would you do this in your own home to your own drawers? I did not think so. Then why certain individuals think it is appreciated when they waltz into a store minutes before closing, when employees are tired and irritable, only to pull the very bottom shirt out of a perfectly folded stack causing the whole pile to fall onto the floor...and then continue this act for the entire section and walk away empty-handed as if nothing happened I will never know. And if you think this is a rare occurrence from the few oblivious people in the world, Ha. You would be surprised.

Another favorite of mine is when Ms. So-and-so unleashes her wrath on you when her 14 cent coupon is clearly expired but she wants to use it anyway. Or when she purchased 47 items the day before and is suddenly repulsed by every last one of them but the receipt is no where to be found and thus cannot be returned. I sympathize with your frustration, I really do. After all... who wouldn't want to save an extra penny or two in this economy, or get money back on things they no longer want? Shocking though this news may be, sales associates can only do so much and are not authorized to change company policy. We are more than happy to call over a manager and pass on your frustration to them [better them than me, right?]. We also try our hardest [most of the time] to give you our undivided attention. Last but not least, we do appreciate the occasional story to tell in the break room. We have to draw the line somewhere though, no one enjoys being yelled at for things they cannot control. I also guarantee that employees will be more inclined to extend grace to those who treat them with respect.

Granted there are a fair amount of wonderful patrons who brighten my day with their words of encouragement and their kindness in taking great care to maintain the organization of our merchandise. Unfortunately it is the less-than-considerate people who stand out in my memory giving me cause to write this very article.