3. Your coworkers will turn into some of your greatest friends. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Adulting

The 5 Most Important Things You Learn Working In Retail

Retail and customer service teach you some of the greatest lessons that life has to offer.

95
The 5 Most Important Things You Learn Working In Retail
Laken Pritchard

Back in May, I had been praying to God about the same three things. Every. Single. Night.

"Dear God, please help me find a job. I want to be financially secure. Please guide me to a God-loving, smart, good man who you have created just for me. Please watch over my family throughout their travels and get them safely wherever they may be headed."

God, working in the mysterious ways he does, lead me straight to the greatest job I've ever had (while keeping my family safe): working for American Eagle Outfitters. I had never worked in retail before, but that didn't stop me from applying to my favorite store. After an interview with one of the managers, I was soon directed to filling out paperwork and starting my first day.

After working in retail for a few months, there are five very important things that I have learned during my time there. If you're thinking about applying for a retail job, these things are super important for you to know!

1. You have the power to boost other people's confidence.

Aerie Real Campaign

www.brandchannel.com

Body positivity has definitely grown in the past few years; however, there are still some people--male and female--who need a little boost in confidence, knowing that regardless of their size, they still look amazing!

2. Not everyone is entitled.

cdn.pixabay.com

Yes, there are people who demand to be treated like royalty when entering a store, such as American Eagle... but there are good people out there. Just yesterday, I had a man kindly pay for a group of teenage girls who didn't have the right credit card. Good people are everywhere.

3. Your coworkers will turn into some of your greatest friends.

cdn.pixabay.com

I am not even close to being the most approachable person on the planet, but for whatever reason, my coworkers constantly tell me how much they love me--both in and outside of work.

4. Everyone has their own style, but it's our job to take it to the next level.

cdn.pixabay.com

Obviously, no one in the world is the same. There are different body shapes, tastes, personalities, etc. As a stylist (because, in actuality, that's what you are) it is your job not to change that person's style but to enhance it to where they feel that they are their best selves.

5. Positive reinforcement is AMAZING.

s.yimg.com

When you have a customer thank you for your help, chat with you about random things, or even say they'll be back because of you is an incredibly uplifting experience. When your managers recognize all of your hard work, giving you positive feedback and literally hyping you up, you know you're in the right place.

While it may have taken nearly a thousand prayers to get me to where I am today, it's safe to say that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be.

Working in retail definitely has its moments, but nothing beats learning these five, incredibly important life lessons.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

442333
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

15766
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

41143
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21008
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

321410
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments