The time of reckoning has come upon us. We think that it looms before us, when in fact it is already here. No, the anti-christ has not appeared (contrary to popular political beliefs), the world is only slightly falling apart. So what are the signs you ask? Why the school supplies and school supply lists officially adorning the shelves of all major chain stores. It is that dreaded time of year - more so than Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Tax Free Weekend. It is: Back-to-School Season.
Back-to-School or BTS, is the most dreaded time of year for people like me. No, not because I'm a student and I just dread returning to school, but because I am a retail worker. You see, BTS is the most dreaded time of year for people in my profession. Sure, Tax Free Weekend and Black Friday are very monstrous, but their time is limited: to a weekend, to a day, to a specific amount of hours. BTS, however, is not. It is a "season" and as everyone knows, seasons are never short. BTS Season is very special, filled with anxious children who are waiting to go back to school, and their less-than-patient parents who can't wait for them to be back.
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What you are a reading today is a letter. A letter to all of those who choose to shop during this Back-to-School season about the kinds of customers you shouldn't be when you come to shop - signed a retail worker.
Dear BTS Shopper,
Hi! How are you today? Welcome to (insert the company/store you work for)! Just so you know (insert all your deals/specials/promotions/etc.)! Have a nice day and let me know if you need anything!
This is a statement I make approximately fifty-thousand times a day at my job. Although you don't have to respond, some form of acknowledgement would be appreciated. Please don't be the person who just flat out ignores me, I'm an extrovert, and it really bothers those like me. I would just be happy with a head nod.
I wish I could tell you that after you walk through the doors of the store I have busted my tail to sweep in preparation for your visit, that it is going to be a pleasant experience. Honestly, it's kind of a toss up.
For those of you bringing your children here to shop for "school clothes" this could go one of two ways. Your child could either love shopping or hate it. I know that sometimes children can be difficult (trust me, I was one), but please, don't fight with your child in my store. Y'all need to duke this out in the car, and come to a mutual understanding that there will be no drama in the fitting rooms. Don't be that parent who fights with your child the entire time you shop. Your child needs to suck up the fact that they hate trying on clothes and you need to suck up the fact that you hate that they hate trying on clothes. None of the associates at my store, or any other store for that matter, wants to see World War III, or IV, or X ensue. Frankly, it makes us uncomfortable.
For those of you who are in a hurry - please don't be. I'm going to be real honest, all stores are under-staffed and all the associates emotions are running high. We bust our tails day in and day out to meet our sales goals and sometimes that feels like a sixteen hour day crammed into one four hour shift. Have some patience, please don't be that person who comes in - rushing and running and expecting everything to happen so fast. Retail workers are people, too. We are moms, dads, caregivers, children, etc. Remember that next time you think you might be getting blown off by a worker who also has three other people they need to help. Please also, don't think you can buy an entire school wardrobe right before a doctor's appointment, a movie, or anything that puts you in less than an hour time constraint. It simply cannot be done.
For those of you with short tempers - please don't be one of those people, and if you absolutely can't help it, please don't bother coming into any retail establishment at this time. I've seen managers who are on their ninth day in a row working, associates who have fifteen other things to do on their list before they get in trouble, and everything in between. We are tired. Do you think your child is the only one who doesn't want to try on clothes? Because I usually get about four or five of those kids a day.
For those of you who are understanding, please come in and shop with us. I would gladly cater to a dad who knows I have six other customers to help before I can answer his question, than one who yells at me for ignoring him.
I know Back-to-School Season is stressful, but from a tired retail worker, please don't be these people. Be the kind, understanding, and "go-with-the-flow" people who are still trying to make sure their children are presentable for school.
Thanks for understanding,
Happy Back-to-School Shopping!
