Working at a boutique can be both rewarding (the 40 percent discount, chill co-workers / boss) and challenging (dealing with customers, clothing, and manufacturers in general). I got the pleasure of working at a local women's clothing store in Millburn, New Jersey over the summer. I have had real jobs before this (waitress, telemarketer, babysitter), but working with people who are like-minded, courteous and friendly make a work environment much less stressful, and more of a learning experience. Not to say I didn't have fun (I did, a lot of it), but I felt comfortable asking questions to my superiors that I normally would be scared to ask. This has made me truly value the jobs I pick for my future. I want something fun and exciting while still learning and improving myself. (Shout-out to Eve, Erika and Patricia!)
Here are 10 things I've learned working at a boutique this summer:
1. Patience is key (with any job).
Although having patience sort of sucks, it's sort of key to holding down a job. Life is perfect, people will piss you off. Breathe, suck it up and move on.
2. Support your local small businesses!
I never really gave into this whole idea of small business stuff, but it takes a lot of hard work for your average person to start a business and grow from there. Don't go to Forever21, come to Scout!
3. Be friendly. (Please?)
You never know who you're helping / serving. Be kind to everyone.
4. Like the people you work with or you're in for a rough 9-5.
I feel this is self-explanatory, but some still don't get it? Don't work for people you don't like and don't stay when co-workers/boss don't treat you right. (Lucky enough, I had the best boss and managers.)
5. Work at a store you actually want to buy things from.
I know sometimes you just need a job, so pick whatever works, but if you have the option definitely work somewhere that you can get a discount on the things you would normally spend full price for.
6. Taxes suck (again, at any job).
Will the government delete my article for this? Even though I love where I work, having a real job sucks and the fact that I don't even get my full paycheck? What type of crap is that?
7. Boutique workers care more about you than mall workers.
Boutique owners / workers genuinely care and want their customers to look good. Have you been to a store in the mall lately where somebody genuinely asked if you needed anything? How you were doing? How your mom was who came into visit last week? Malls want your money. Boutiques want your love!
8. Working at a boutique keeps you updated with the latest fashion trends.
Maybe you weren't the trendiest before getting a job here, but now you are thanks to being around clothes 24/7, needing to look good 25/8, and trying to make other people look good 9-5.
9. Be honest with your customers.
Nobody likes to be told that something looks good in the dressing room and then when they return home, they're disappointed.
10. Working at a clothing store is probably the best job you can find as a broke college girl.
Help me I'm poor, but still need to look good like 70 percent of the time, how do I do this? Oh, I know! Work at a boutique, support local businesses, be kind and be friendly to all!
