When I turned sixteen I was ecstatic to finally be able to apply for jobs and make my own money. I applied to many places before finally getting hired at Barnes and Noble. Quickly, like everyone who has worked retail, I realized that a lot of people kind of suck. From yelling at workers on Black Friday, or expecting a store to stay open past the "closing" time just because you are a customer, retail has exposed me to some of the worst people in the world.
It has also exposed me to some of the best experiences in the world. From meeting new people to getting future employment opportunities, retail will really change you and give you a different perspective of the world. Check out these 21 things below that anyone who has worked retail will understand, as told by our favorite Scoops Ahoy! workers, Steve and Robin.
When you get scheduled for a morning shift.
Nobody enjoys waking up early in general. Add going to work and faking a smile to it? Not the best way to start the day.
When you unlock the doors to let the huge crowd of people waiting in.
Seriously, we are open for more than twelve hours of the day and you want to come in right at 9 in the morning?
That moment when the customer doesn't like what you told them so they ask to talk to the manager and repeat what you said.
I swear I am not trying to pull one over on you.
When the store gets so busy you don't have time to take a lunch break and are close to starving to death.
You can find me running back to the break room, stuffing almonds in my mouth, and running back out to help you find that dumb toy your child needs right this instant.
When you finally find that one item that a customer wants.
Of course there's only one of them in the store.
When you then find said item just laying around on a random shelf.
It's not like I went through the entire storage area looking for this or anything...the least you could do is bring it back to the front instead of hiding it.
We all have that one coworker who tries to chat during your lunch break.
I've been around screaming customers and voices all day. I need peace and quiet.
When a customer asks if they can have something arrive by Christmas...two days before Christmas Eve.
That's a funny joke. Please tell it again.
Making up games with your coworkers to pass the time.
"Drawing contest on the receipts and...go!"
When a customer asks you for your opinion on something for them.
Please don't make me lie.
Your reaction to a customer yelling at you for something you can't control.
...what do you want me to do about it? Change company policy?
...and speaking of company policy.
Sometimes establishments have the weirdest and dumbest rules.
Having deep conversations with your coworkers.
This is especially relevant during Black Friday, Christmas season, and at night.
Having a customer walk in on you and your coworker goofing off.
Pshh... we were working.
Ranting about mean customers with your coworkers.
Everything you do and say will be repeated to my coworkers. That's a promise.
Acting like a star worker when your manager comes around.
*acts like I always ask customers if they want to sign up for our email list*
Walking out the door when you get sent home early because it's a slow day.
Even though you need the money, it's such a good feeling to leave early.
Feeling dead inside by the end of your shift.
I don't even know how I am functioning right now.
What you mentally do every time a customer tries to come up to you as you clock out.
Sorry, I can't help you. I am not on the clock. Bye.
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