The 10 Inevitable Experiences All Retail Workers Know All Too Well | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The 10 Inevitable Experiences All Retail Workers Know All Too Well

Your day isn't complete if one of these didn't happen to you yet.

26
The 10 Inevitable Experiences All Retail Workers Know All Too Well
Thomas Hawk / Flickr

Every day at work is always an experience when you work in retail. Whether it be an out of control customer or simply just a hectic day, you'll always have a story to tell from work. For everyone who does work in retail, here's a list you surely can relate to.

1. When the playlist that plays over the radio finally gets switched up...

It's always an exciting time when the same dull, overplayed music that usually gets played gets switched up to a newer playlist. Well, until that playlist then gets played every single day. But you still get to appreciate the few short weeks when the playlist is still exciting.

2. "Do you work here?"

Do I really need to even say anything? Even as an overused example of working in retail, it brings nothing but anger in your mind. Thinking of a way to politely ask a question is rough, but clearly, I work here.

3. When they recognize your face...

To go along with number two, nothing is scarier when the customers know your face. Even when you're off the clock, work shirt off, and simply shopping. They'll still ask you questions, or even address you by your name. At first, it's flattering, but then it sets in. The one scary question, "have I really worked here that long?"

4. "I'm on break!"

Everything always goes down when you clock in on break.

"Why didn't you do ___?"
"I'm on/was on break!"
Sooner than later, you learn that the excuse that you're on break will never be enough.

5. The customer service voice

"Hello, how are you today?" "Have a great day!" "-insert very bad joke to ease tension-"
My customer service voice has become my default stranger voice. Some people just assume I'm an overly nice, polite person. But usually, strangers see right through it. They know.

6. When everything goes down in your department, and you're the only one working.

Everything goes down on the night shift. Especially when you're the only person that's working that night. Whether it's the door breaking or the register ringing up $15,000 worth of meat that no one ordered (Yes, both of these have happened to me, as I'm the only one working in my department...), it's always a life or death situation. Someone has to fix it.

7. That customer that comes right as you're closing up.

You selected a 10 a.m. pick-up, but are coming in at 7:55 p.m.? Cool! That's alright, man! Not like I already had everything ready to leave or anything!

8. When you get a shift with your favorite co-worker

Your favorite co-worker soon becomes a best friend. Working without them almost feels wrong. Who else is there to hear your rants about a former love or an insane customer? A day at work isn't a day at work without your favorite co-worker.

9. Answering the phone calls.

"Are you going to get that?"
Answering the phone can either be the highlight or the downfall of your day in retail. Will it be a super simple call or a screaming customer? You'll never know. That's the fun part.

10. The infamous "WTF?!" moment.

I saved the best for last. The "WTF?!" moments are what makes working in retail so amusing. Whether it's finding watermelons hidden behind two rows of saltine cracker boxes, finding an entire row of Arizona Iced Teas in the wrong aisle, having a nude customer run throughout the store, or even have half eaten sandwiches in the baby aisle. Retail is truly never boring. The "WTF?!" moments give you stories to talk about forever.

At the end of the day, while retail may be a painstaking job filled with annoyances and people who test my kindness, I'll forever cherish the memories that come with it, along with all the friends I made along the way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196253
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18466
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460568
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28146
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments