Many people would like to think retail workers spend their days walking around and folding clothes. Sure, it's easy to make that assumption. I was guilty of it prior to being hired. But in all reality, that assumption could not be more wrong. For the past 2 years, I've worked in a retail store in my community as your average, everyday sales associate. Maybe it's not the highest position, but corporate holds sales associates and sales leads to a higher standard than most consumers would think. When shopping at your local retail stores as we ring in this New Year, make it a goal to be kind, respect, and appreciate all that they have done to make your own shopping experience, a good one. While working in the retail side of business, I've learned valuable life skills and etiquette along the way.

Understand that corporate makes sales and return policies.

I've personally had my fair share of customers that take their anger out on the associate. Remember, sales associates are there to guide you through your transaction, give the best bang for your buck, and enforce store policies. Although we wish we could take all your returns, no questions asked, corporate makes the policies in which we cannot change. A good sales associate will go out of their way to work their way around these policies, but may not always be successful. Also, we ask to see your ID to protect you as a customer, not because we find you suspicious. As theft is so high around the holidays, we are only looking out for your identity. I have vowed to never argue the store policy without fair reasoning and approval by a manager prior to checkout.

Respect store hours.

Over the years, I've been blessed with great shifts, in which barely ever include closing. Knock on wood, though. Many associates work 9-10 hours at a time with minimal break time. Coming into stores 10 minutes before close, in hopes of trying on a cart full of clothes, is extremely inconsiderate. Many associates have family to tend to and school work to complete. Although you may feel rushed, associates will show you every bit of respect and allow you to finish up your shopping. Simply apologizing for holding them up will do just fine, because really, putting the customer's needs and keeping them satisfied with our company is what we work towards! Store hours have taught me time management. It has taught me to think twice before getting in my car to go to a store so close to closing time. It's a lot easier to understand when you've walked in the shoes of fellow retail workers.

Keep the store clean.

Too often I find myself folding at other stores. Associates try to create the best shopping experience possible by keeping the stores neat and properly folded. Yeah sure, we may fold our jeans a certain way, or layout our sweaters in a precise way, but I could not tell you how many times I've folded the same table within a 7 hour shift. It get's a bit difficult during sales and holidays to keep up with the mess. I always remember to fold the clothing item correctly and place in back into the pile I originally found it. It not only makes merchandise easier to sort through, but higher chance of sales. The way a store represents itself says a lot about meeting the sales goal for the day. Working in retail has taught me organization and quite honestly, it's made me quite the neat freak.

As the holidays wind down, and we return to our regular store hours, remember to keep kindness in mind when shopping at your local retail stores. Although i could never see myself actually making a career out of working in retail, I have a new respect for those who do.