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12 Real Tales Learned From Working In Retail

Transferable life skills I learned while kickin’ it in a shoe store.

Jenna Nabors

Mar 28, 2018

North Carolina State University

12 Real Tales Learned From Working In Retail

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After kickin’ it with kicks as I worked in a shoe store for the past three years, I’ve learned a few things about retail, myself, and especially, people.

1. Time is ticking

Days drag on or days fly by, but either way, what you do with your time is yours to decide. So make it worthwhile.

2. The customer is not always right, but neither am I

It's OK to acknowledge that others are mistaken but equally important to realize when you are too.

3. You can’t please everyone

Working in retail, especially during holiday seasons, is going to show you that sometimes you're going to let someone down and they might be disappointed with you. It happens.

4. Teamwork makes the dream work

Co-workers are prefaced with "co" for a reason, they are there for you to collaborate to reach a goal. Two heads are better than one sometimes, you know?

5. Adaptability leads to productivity

In the ever-changing work environment, being adaptable makes you so much more successful and efficient. A useful skill to have in our ever-changing society.

6. There’s an art to small talk

Customer service is about more than getting the job done, it's really about knowing how to connect with others. Being relatable, personable, and friendly gets you far.

7. I am not a mind reader

As much as I want to know what everyone is thinking and what everyone wants, I don't. So tell me and don't assume that I do.

8. Communication is key

Clearly express your thoughts!

9. Optimism is optimal

Keeping a positive attitude, especially when those you are working with solely have an attitude, is crucial. It keeps you in a good mood and tends to make situations go more smoothly.

10. Make working hard feel like you’re hardly working

Enjoy the work you do so it doesn't feel so tedious. Pursue your interests or try to find the bright side. Also the better you get at the work you do, the more easily the tasks can be completed.

11. People come and go

Throughout my time in retail, I've seen plenty of people come and go. Working with them was great but meeting new employees was great fun too. When one door closes, another one opens, right?

12. Do what’s best for you

If you're not happy with what you're doing, what is keeping you there? Obviously, I love my "all-star" of a job so I'm going to run with it for now, but that doesn't mean you have to do the same.

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

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