The holidays are here which means crazy shoppers and pissed off retail associates are out in full force. As a retail veteran, both as a shopaholic and a miserable retail worker, I thought I would create a helpful guide to keep you from losing your mind and potentially murdering a Wal-Mart greeter.
1. Don't be a dick.
I know, I know, the customer is always right. But actually, sometimes they aren't. Sometimes they're being really rude, ignoring the store policies and holding up the rest of the line.
Shoppers: Just try to be a little nicer. The sales associates are there to do their jobs and also want you to leave the store as quickly as possible. We're all on the same team.
Associates: Just make the customer happy. Accept the return, give them the price they saw on the floor and just keep smiling. Your manager can worry about the rest.
2. Don't wait until Christmas Eve.
Unfortunately, come December 24th, the stock is low and your odds of getting everything you're looking for is slim. So don't wait! Beat the rush and get out there in the early weeks of December.
Shoppers: If you are planning to shop on Christmas Eve, get out early! There is nothing worse than waiting in a 2-hour line only to find out the product you want is out of stock or worse, not as cheap as it was on Black Friday.
Associates: Encourage the customers you encounter over the first few days of the month to get everything they need now. Offer to gift-wrap, carry the purchase to their car or whatever else you need to do to ensure they don't come back too soon.
3. Treat people like people.
This one should be a no-brainer, but I'll break it down anyway.
Shoppers: The people helping you are just that, people. So try to show a little humility and treat them how you want to be treated. Unless waving receipts and asking 17-year-old cashiers "Do you have any idea how much I spend at this store?" is your kink or something.
Associates: Breath. That's literally my only advice.
4. Remember what you came for.
It's a holiday, people! We're out here because we want to give and show the people we love how much we appreciate them. It's a common thread among us all, not a dividing line.
Shoppers: I know the woman in front of you just bought the last Hot Diggity Dog Mickey Mouse but I promise it's going to be okay. Your kid will still love you if you get them a different present. Also, maybe shop on Amazon next time you want the holiday's hottest toy.
Associates: It's been a drag all holiday I know, but at least you have that Hot Diggity Dog Mickey Mouse hiding in the stock room, right? Work is long but that overtime check is bound to help you ensure you get everyone on your list just what they're looking for.
So there you have it, 4 simple steps to keep you from totally losing it this holiday season. Added bonus, step 1 is pretty much clutch for every single day of the year. Happy shopping!
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