We've experienced it all. Customers who blatantly lie about a shirt being damaged in hopes of receiving a "special discount,” couples who scoff at the unreasonably high prices that you must be responsible for, mothers who are too attached to their iPhones to notice that their children are tearing apart the store, and high school girls who travel in packs and trash every. single. fitting room.
Whether you work at T. J. Maxx, Valentino, Big Lots or Barneys, it is likely that you've experienced your fair share of annoyances throughout all of your endeavors as a retail worker. We all know the simple joys of checking every individual garment for a sensor, folding and refolding dozens of sweaters, and spending hours sizing the entire floor just for a random crowd to come in and completely rearrange each rack. Personally, I've realized that working in retail is definitelynot as simple and brainless as it’s thought to be– there’s a great deal of intelligence, patience and tolerance needed in order to avoid losing your mind when a client decides to “think about it” after you’ve assisted them for three hours.
While I haven't been working in retail for very long, there’s been plenty of moments when I thought my eyes might actually roll out of my head. I’ve learned that when I overhear a man telling his girlfriend that the dress she’s clearly in love with “doesn’t do anything for her,” it’s not appropriate to let him know he’s an asshole. When a wealthy woman snaps her fingers at me as if I’m her servant and demands a smaller size, it’s best to smile through it and make the sale– even after she finally requests the size you suggested half an hour before. The little displeasures are easy to smile through when you remember that your job is so much more than waiting on the occasionally rude customer.
If it wasn’t for my job in retail, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet all of the incredible people I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with. When a person walks into a store, they may know exactly what they’re there to purchase, but they’re also looking for someone to connect with. I’ve gotten a mini French lesson from a man visiting from Paris, helped a hopeful senior find her perfect graduation dress, and assured a nervous boyfriend that his girlfriend’s parents were sure to love his new suit, all in the same day. I’ve had the pleasure of learning so much about so many different people, all with a unique story and varying intentions– and I’ve styled them and helped them feel their best in the process.
I never would’ve thought that a seemingly “easy” job could enlighten me as much as it has. My job has trained me to be timely and efficient, to remain patient and kind in the most stressful of situations, to be mindful of other’s moods and aware that everyone has their bad days, and to be the positive person that people aren’t afraid to ask for help. During my short time as a sales associate, I’ve come to realize that retail workers are hardworking, dedicated, warmhearted individuals who actually do want to help– so don’t hesitate to speak up and ask which dress they think is prettier.
