Every customer is greeted by smiles from all employees as they enter the store; however, the customer does not understand how hard it is for that sales associate to smile and be calm. This summer I had the opportunity to work in retail for the first time and it was quite an experience. If you've worked in retail you know helping rude customers; having managers think you are invincible, and never ending shifts could drive you insane. Here are some things from my experience that every retail employee has had to go through.
1. When shoppers see you're name tag they assume you know THE WHOLE MALL by the back of your hand.
Knowing all of the stores in the mall is not in my job description. I'm sorry, do I look like a mall directory?
2. You've had customers waiting at the register expecting you to help them BUT you're busy helping another customer.
Of course you want to make sure you help every customer; however, you cannot be in two places at once.
3. A customer's card was declined and they got angry with you.
You understand how that can be embarrassing but have no idea why they blamed you.
4. You've greeted the customer and they ignored you as if you were not there.
Please just say hi, we're here to help!
5. It's two minutes until closing and a customer comes to you with a huge return!
Customers forget that sales associates are people too and that they have to go home at night.
6. When the supervisor announces that store is closed and you can finally go home!
All of the workers throw a mini celebration and get out as soon as they can.
7. Worst Nightmare put in two words = BLACK FRIDAY
Customers lose all self control on this day...
8. After dealing with so many rude customers you have some of the best patience
You have to be a people person in order to survive working in retail or else customers will drive you insane. Of course not all customers are bad.
9. Had a customer that decided to tell you their whole life story meanwhile there's a line forming at checkout.
You do not have the heart to tell them to stop because they are so nice but the customer behind them is staring into your soul.
10. It is a struggle not to spend most of your paycheck at the store you work for.
The store you work for has a huge clearance sale and you have an employee discount.
11. You've had a customer demand the manager even though they were wrong not you
12. A customer has tried to stop you on you're lunch break.
Break time is me time not we time! Other employees do work in the store!
13. You've had to eat in the food court or break room alone!
Being by yourself at the mall can be lonely sometimes.
14. You've devoted a lot of time and effort into refolding clothes and one customers messes everything up!
It is honestly so upsetting to see all of your hard work ruined by one person.
15. Every workers favorite part of the day is to do this
Working retail can definitely be stressful at times but I do enjoy my job. Every job has its pros and cons. This job has improved my problem solving and helps me practice patience. For all retail workers out there, I hope you can relate.
