Retail. Every time I hear that word I shudder a little bit. I got my first retail job my sophomore year in college at Bath and Body Works. Everything I heard about retail jobs lived up to my expectations: rude and annoying customers, crazy hours, but most importantly, a great group of coworkers. Here are 19 things that every retail worker can relate to.
1. You've mastered a fake laugh and smile.
Everybody has a cheesy retail smile. It gets harder and harder to maintain the longer you work there!
2. "I need to speak to the manager."
Sure, let me go get them so that they can tell you the exact same thing I just told you, Kathy.
3. Being blamed for things you have no control over.
Customers enjoy yelling at you when their expired coupon isn't working. They like to think that your job is also to MAKE the prices and rules. Find someone else to take out your frustration of being overcharged $5, Susan.
4. Cleaning up a customer's mess.
No, your empty Starbucks cup does NOT belong on the shelf with the store's merchandise. I'm not your mother; CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF.
5. "Can I pay part with cash/card?"
Why do you have to make the transaction so awkward? Just pick either cash OR card for your $15 total.
6. When customers talk on the phone during the transaction.
Not only is this incredibly rude, but this is incredibly annoying. Are these people actually serious?
7. People who wander aimlessly around the store at closing time.
GO HOME.
8. "Do you work here?"
No, I just enjoy wearing an earpiece and uniform for fun.
9. Customers letting their children roam wild and free.
This isn't a playground, Carol.
10. "Wait! I have 30 cents, hold on just a minute!"
Even though you've already put in the amount that they were paying, so you have to become a math wizard to finish the transaction.
11. When your boss tells you that you can leave early.
God bless you.
12. The same witty and annoying jokes you hear from customers ALL the time.
"Oh, the item isn't scanning....it must be free!"
13. You felt like the Grinch when you were scheduled to work on a holiday.
"Merry Christmas ya filthy animal."
14. You roll your eyes when you hear one of the Top 40 songs that is ALWAYS played during your shift OUTSIDE your workplace.
NO. I don't want to hear "Can't Stop The Feeling" for the 20th time today, thanks.
15. That feeling when you ask a customer if they need help but they just ignore you.
16. You've agreed to take someone's shift only to regret your decision immediately after.
"I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all."
17. You know the customer is certainly NOT always right.
"You're entitled to your wrong opinion, that's fine."
18. You have nightmares of floods of customers, phone's ringing, and only two employees working...
Send help, SOS!
19. Your outlook on life and people has changed dramatically after working in retail.
You've developed a cynical attitude towards people and your hope for humanity is completely drained.
Shopping in retail is fun, but not so much working in retail. Most of the time, working in retail is walking around and mentally putting together outfits plus totaling the price of it, including your discount, while helping a customer.