For the past two summers, I have worked at two different retail stores, which ended up being a lot more fun than I originally anticipated. However, there are definitely some moments that test your patience, especially when it comes to customer service (No, ma'am, you cannot return an item that you bought three months ago without a receipt). Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned from working in retail:
1. People will ask obvious questions (way more than you think).
Customer: Excuse me, how much is this shirt?
Sales Associate: *takes price tag and reads it out loud*
2. People will be rude to you for no reason whatsoever.
I’ve had one or two customers who have made me want to run to the back room and cry because they would yell at me for things that were out of my control, like the fact that the shirt they bought had a rip in it or that a coupon was no longer valid. Some people are just a**holes. This is also a valuable life lesson.
3. Employee discounts are the best and the worst.
When new stuff arrives at the store, your first instinct is to buy all the things. But before you know it, your whole paycheck is going right back to the store and you’re barely making any money. *Cries internally*
4. People don’t care if you close in five minutes.
“Oh, you’re closing right now? I just wanted to buy [blank].” UGHHHHHH.
5. “Do you have a receipt?” Is something you catch yourself saying frequently while on your shift.
Nine times out of 10, they probably don’t have it. *Cue the anger and the internal crying*
6. Arranging things by color is how everything should be done.
Because everything just looks better that way.
7. Your coworkers can make any annoying/bad/aggravating situation at work bearable.
Had a bad customer? Or a hilarious one you couldn’t stop talking to? Your coworkers would probably love to hear about them, and probably have tons of stories to share, too.
8. You learn a lot about your patience level.
Dealing with certain people can be tough, but it’s almost impressive to see what you’re capable of when dealing with people whose only mission is to make your life difficult (also refer to #2).
9. It can be a lot of fun.
Yes, there are definitely those frustrating moments, but nothing beats talking to an awesome customer who makes your entire day, or your coworker bringing you a cup of coffee out of kindness. Thanks for all the memories, retail. Here’s to making some more sometime soon.
