So I've asked my friends who work in retail what some of the biggest struggles they face are when working in retail. This ranges from Hollister, to Victoria Secret, to Aeropostale. Anyone who has ever worked in retail, I'm sure can relate to these struggles!
1. Helping Customers find 20 different items, for them to only buy 1 article of clothing.
It’s great that we are helping customers find clothes that are perfect for them and we understand that you won’t buy everything, but leaving all but one in the dressing room? It is in our job description to fold the clothes, but please please please know what you want so that we don’t have a gigantic pile of rejects sitting in our fitting rooms.
2. Promotions and changing prices
Not only do you stay after to clean and fold clothes so that it’s perfect the next morning, you are changing the prices of everything that is going on sale. It’s a lot to do at closing.
3. Telling someone they can’t return an item based on the return policy, only for them to talk to a manager who will say the same thing.
I worked at Aeropostale and our return policy is at the cash register. When it comes to return policies, the employees know what can and cannot be done. If it doesn’t follow the return policy, there’s nothing we can do. It’s the store’s policy and it’s a struggle when customers challenge us, and we have to get our manager who will say the same things we told the customer.
4. Fitting rooms
We try our best to give customers their own, personalized little shopping experience. However, we find it a struggle to keep track of where everyone is while also trying to put things back as you try things on and grab a different size. Plus, we know some of them are shoplifters! I see that sensor on the floor.
5. That awkward moment when a dad comes in and buys lingerie for who knows what.
Sometimes it’s cute, other times it gets weird because fathers are asking what’s the difference between a thong and a cheekster.
6. Asking someone struggling to find their size if they need help, but they say no.
Hey, we tried, don’t blame me when the clothes fall on you.
7. When there’s no price tag and a customer jokes saying “oh is it free then?”
No, it’s not free, for the billionth time today. Its something we hear all the time when the tag isn’t on there. Like come on, do our faces say that we want to joke around? Why can’t you just look at that while you’re waiting in line? There are 14 people behind you, make a decision.
8. Folding all the clothes at the table and having it ruined in a minute.
I spent an hour doing that while helping people find the clothes they needed. Why do you do this to me?!
9. People thinking that you’re flirting with them when you’re really just being friendly.
I’ve been handed guy’s numbers because they think I’m flirting with them. No, I’m just friendly and I want to make a sale. I don’t want to go out with you…please leave.
