While my friends spend their summers working at camps and babysitting, I spend my time at the mall selling jeans and watches to the people of New Jersey. While it may seem like an easy way to make some money over the summer, I assure you it is not. For all of my fellow sales associates out there: I feel your pain. Most people don't even notice us as they shop, but WE ARE PEOPLE TOO. WITH FEELINGS. This is a brief look at just some of the struggles we face as y'all are "just looking" around our stores.
1. When customers want you to give them a discount “just because."
I’m sorry, no you cannot get 10 percent off because your a chef. No, just because it’s a holiday doesn’t mean the whole store is free. Go away.
2. You apply to be a sales associate, but then are also hired as a janitor, a security guard, and a slave to people with money.
Thought you’d just be selling stuff? Nope! Please windex all of the mirrors and sweep the entire floor. Oh, and you have to awkwardly search people’s bags if the alarm goes off. Also you have to do anything a customer tells you to do, no matter how ridiculous. Apparently it’s in the job description.
3. Moms.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom. Love her to death. But when moms come into shop for their children, nothing could be worse.
4. The Return Walk.
It’s 10:30 in the morning, and you see them walk in the door. Head down. Bag close to their side. Walking at an impressive pace. They’re about to return $200 worth of merchandise. You try to sweet talk them, show them a bunch of new products that just came in, offer to get them a different size or color, but no. The Return Walk simply cannot be stopped. Now you’re at negative $200 on the day. Good job.
5. When customers say they're "just looking" but you still have to talk to them.
Okay, I know you said you are "just looking," but like are you sure you don't need anything? I’m sorry, I know you don’t want to talk to me, but my manager is watching so I’m going to ask you if you need any help for the hundredth time. I totally know you can get this size by yourself, but please let me get it for you so my manager thinks I’m doing something.
6. Holidays.
Okay, first of all, WHY ARE PEOPLE TRYING TO BE AT THE MALL ON A HOLIDAY? Like, really? Thanksgiving? Labor Day? GO BE WITH YOUR FAMILIES. DO SOMETHING BETTER WITH YOUR TIME. And second of all, why is every single holiday a good enough excuse for a sale? Like oh, it’s the anniversary of America’s independence, let’s bring people to the mall! We all deserve discounted merchandise now! Make’s no sense. I just want a day off.
7. Getting hit on by customers.
“The entire store is 40 percent off!”
“Can I get 40 percent off of you?”
—Actual conversation I had with a customer. I’m sorry, what? Like I don’t know if that guy was trying to purchase me for 40 percent off or if he wanted me to take 40 percent of my clothing off, but either way no. Just no. Sometimes it’s cute and flattering, but the large majority of the time it is just creepy. Please leave this store. (Added struggle: when those customers become repeat customers because they want to see you. Time to call security.)
8. Having to explain sale promotions to customers.
The sign clearly says BUY ONE GET ONE FREE, but it really means select styles. Only the out of season colors. That we only have like three sizes in. Actually only the ugly ones. Sorry. And of course, the sales associates are the ones who have to communicate that to the customers. Smh.
9. Customers actually believe they are always right.
Whoever came up with the saying “The customer is always right!” needs to be punched. MOST OF THE TIME, THE CUSTOMER IS DEAD WRONG. Like I’m sorry no, those jeans are not $10, they are $50. No you can’t trade that watch in for a new one. No I can’t ship that size you need to your house by tomorrow for free. You’re wrong. You are so wrong.
10. People don’t take you seriously because you’re “too young.”
My manager may be older than me, but they’re the one who trained me. I know everything they know. There is nothing they can tell you about your question that will be different from what I have already said.
11. You find yourself talking in a weirdly high-pitched voice all the time.
Whenever I say “Hi, is there anything I can help you with today?” it sounds like it’s coming out of the mouth of a four year old girl. Apparently talking high pitched is more polite? (Another added struggle: answering the store phone. The music is always too loud so you can’t hear what they are saying, you have no idea what they want, and you are still trying to keep up with your polite voice. Nothing is worse.)
12. Your entire paycheck goes back into the store you work at.
Every other week when pay day finally comes you say to yourself, “Okay, I’m really going to save this time.” But then you see the new clothes that just came in, and you remember your employee discount. The next thing you know you have $5 to survive on until the next paycheck.
Special shout out to my co-workers at American Eagle Outfitters for inspiring all of these struggles. Thanks for making living my life at American Eagle more bearable. #LiveYourLife #AEOProblems
