Maybe I should have done this before the holidays, but here we are, a little while past the fourth holiday season that I've worked retail. As the three year mark of my retail job came and went, I've thought a lot about what customers have done in my store. I have some crazy stories, and some are funnier or weirder than others. Sometimes they're very kind and excited and then there are those that...aren't. Of course not all customers are bad and I'm not the "perfect shopper" either, but here are ten things that store employees will appreciate you doing.
1. Know what kind of store you’re in and generally what they sell. If you walk in and the first thing you say is “I have no idea where to start.” I don’t really know where to tell you to start. Google the store or just tell us what you’re looking for so we know how to help you.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We don’t bite...mostly. You don't have to wander in circles in search of something you can't find.
3. Pick up after yourself. If you knocked over stuff at a friend’s house, you’d pick it up and put it back where belongs, right? Pretend our store is your friend’s house and pick up whatever you knock over instead of leaving it on the floor for an employee to pick up for you. Straightening the same shelf every two minutes because people don't care about messing it up gets really old, really fast.
4. Actually look for things before asking employees. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked for something that was literally right next to or behind them, I wouldn’t be working retail. Seriously, people ask me all the time where our bathroom is when I'm standing right under the sign outside of our bathroom hallway. Of course, if you really need help, ask. But if you didn’t attempt to look, you’re probably going to look foolish when we point to it right behind you.
5. Watch any kids you’re with. We understand that kids can get crazy (especially in toy stores) but please don’t allow them to run around and run into people and things. If they knock over displays or stacks, please teach them good manners by ensuring they fix what they messed up.
6. Don’t get mad about things that we employees have no control over. Seriously, we don’t have the ability to change what you don’t like. If you’re so upset, contact the company because we can’t do squat. We don't have control over advertisements, prices, sales, policies or pretty much anything. Asking for a manger probably won't get you anywhere either.
7. Be open to things you weren’t planning on buying. This will be especially beneficial if what you originally wanted is out of stock. (We're all guilty of this when we go into Target.)
8. Plan accordingly to the season. If it’s within a month of Christmas, know that there’s a high chance we’re sold out many of our products. It’s the busiest time of the year and we’re out of everything so just be prepared to hear “sorry, we’re out of stock.” Also pay attention to any sales that store is offering before you get inside. It will help you save more.
9. Be aware of when you come into stores (what time it is and what day of the week it is). Wednesdays are different than Saturdays and Friday at 2PM is different than Saturday at 2PM. Just know that business level of the store can change dramatically so if you want more help, plan out a less busy time to go in.
10. Don’t ask us what your child/gift-recipient would want. We don’t know them, how would we know what you should buy them? I don’t know what shirt size your niece is either so ask her parents before coming in. Give us more to work with than "I don't know... He's four. What does a four year old boy like?" Most of us retail employees probably also don't know the shoe size of an average eight year old. Get people's measurements and interests before you start shopping. It will benefit everyone.
