10 Things You Know If You've Worked Retail
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Things You Know If You've Worked Retail

A look into the life of a sales associate.

40
10 Things You Know If You've Worked Retail
pucker mob


1. Weekend Nights.

If you have worked retail at all you know you're going to be working until close on some weekends. It's tough, I know. Having to respond to your friends with the whole "I can't I have work:/" Just to go on Instagram on your break and see what is happening without you there. You probably have thought to yourself that you're young and should be enjoying life, so why not quit right now? But then your half hour break is over and back on to the floor you go.

2. Wanting any task that will keep you off the sales floor.

"Can I have a volunteer who can unpack all this shipment?"

I would seriously have scrubbed the floor out back with a toothbrush if it meant I didn't need to be wandering the sales floor trying to talk to customers who really didn't want my help anyways.

3. Sales Goals.

In any store you work at there is goals to be made, between conversion and how much you sell vs. how much the store makes in a day. Each employee has to sell so the store can make a goal, which is totally understandable, but the pressure can be unreal. The worst part is in some places everyone has a set goal, which can lead to more pressure, and if you've worked at Victoria's Secret, then cattiness too.


4. The customer that wants you to be their personal shopper.

This is fun and all, but I have other things to do. I'll help you find what you need and get you into a fitting room, I'll even listen to you when you make small talk about the weather, but I'm not following you around while holding your items as you circle the store a hundred times. I love you for wanting my help, just make sure you say name to the cashier so I get some points, okay?


5. Picking up after customers.

Think about folding a pile of shirts, approximately 25, and that one customer goes over to it, needs a medium and grabs it from the middle of the pile..destroying your perfectly long time spent shirts that were lined up perfectly. You said words in your head about that customer that you wouldn't even say to your own worst enemy. Breathe. Swear under your breath. Fold. Repeat until someone ruins the next pile.


6. Working with friends makes it all the more better.

Except when you get in trouble for talking to them out on sales floor. If you worked retail with your friends before, don't lie, it's happened to you and it will happen again. Retail whatever, friends are forever.

7. The Stragglers.

How do you not feel weird with all the employees watching and waiting for you to bring your things to the register after we've closed 10 minutes ago.

or even worse...

8. The customer who comes in at 8:59pm

The worst part? We have to be nice to you and tell you it's okay. It's our job, just know you're still a big jerk.

9. You probably tried getting out of working Black Friday and it probably didn't work.

"I'm going to be away." Yeah right. You'll request it off and you will still be on the schedule. Have fun calling out of this one. See you on the floor at half past midnight, bring me some Starbucks if you can.


10. After clocking out and going home you realize it's not that bad.

You probably dreaded the drive in, and was bummed you couldn't see your friends, but at the end of day you have a job, you can afford your own things and you should be proud. You're gaining work experience and learning a lot from others around you. Of course you don't want to work tomorrow morning though, who does?


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

102755
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments