In my almost two years working retail, I've encountered a pattern of reoccurring statements, arguments, and comments made by customers. It's quite comical actually, to think that regardless the personality of the person, they still can manage to fit under the "typical customer" category, even if they aren't aware of it. Working specifically in clothing-based retail, I became aware of how necessitous some people may be. I mean, it IS what we are getting paid to do: to provide exceptional customer service and ensure a good sale, but sometimes, outsiders fail to realize how tedious it is to work retail. We don't just hang clothes on racks, fold shirts, and ring-up customers.
Let's have Spongebob help us take a look at the responsibilities and struggles that come with working in retail:
1. When a customer walks in and you say, "Hi! Welcome to ________" and they don't say anything back
I've never felt more rejected in my life
2. When it's almost impossible to maintain the cleanliness of the fitting rooms because customers leave the clothes they tried on, on the floor or hung-up inside out.
3. When the customer asks if you have more of an item in the back, and you say no (because you're completely aware of your store's inventory) ,and they ask how do you know?
Well, I practically live here...
*goes to do stock check just to please the customer...goofs off in backroom for a few minutes*
4. When the customer "forgets their coupon" and asks if you have any on hand
5. When the customer asks to speak to a manager and the manager tells them exactly what you already told them, so you just stand there behind your manager like..
6. When the customer threatens to call corporate on you, when all you were doing was following store policy
7. When your managers go to the backroom to do something "really quick", but end up being gone for a long time, leaving you out on the sales floor to handle everything.
8. When you JUST finished folding a stack of shirts perfectly, and then a customer comes and messes it up
9. When a customer walks in 2 minutes before closing time
10. When you can't be excited for the weekend like your peers because those are the days your store is the busiest
On the other hand, that employee discount though...
