You either love or hate shopping. But, if you hate it, you will probably still end up at a mall at some point during your lifetime.
However, when you enter a store and you're in a bad mood, PLEASE don't push your bad mood onto the associates that are only there to help you.
I've worked in retail since I was 16 and I've had my fair share of customers. Don't get me wrong, most of them are nice, but the 1 or 2 that are rude or in a bad mood are remembered the most.
So here's a PSA to anyone who ever goes shopping. No matter if it's for clothes, shoes, food, anything you should at least be polite to the employees.
I know sometimes customers think that associates are annoying by asking them if they need help, but if we don't ask, we're not doing our jobs.
Now every day I try to walk into work with a smile on my face. I treat every customer well and try to help them to the best of my abilities.
I don't want to be upset when I'm at work. I don't want customers screaming at me because I don't have their size.
People who work in retail have feelings too. We are literally working to help you have a great day and leave the establishment happy and wanting to come back soon.
Also, the malls are almost ALWAYS open on holidays. So, when you're shopping on Thanksgiving, and we have to cut our dinners/family time short, please don't ask why we're working.
Because it's retail. That's why.
I can't stress enough how frustrating it is when customers are on their phones while in the store or demand immediate attention when there's over 30 other customers in the store. I want to help you to the best of my abilities, but I can't give you the one on one time that you want.
ALSO, it's not very difficult to look up mall hours. I swear, they're always on the mall website.
On Sundays, almost everyone has off of work. But the mall stays open till 6:00. When you walk in at 5:55 after I've cleaned the whole store and you come in and complain about how the mall is closed, it makes me very irritated.
Retail is also very rewarding in ways that aren't recognized. When you help a customer find exactly what they need and more, and you have great conversation, it's a great feeling.
Seeing repeated customers is also a great feeling. They've come back hoping to see you and your product.
So, PSA to anyone who shops: Please be polite and let us help you. It's literally in our job description to give the best customer service we can. So, let us do our jobs and help you have a great time at the mall.
I know you're already in a bad mood because the parking lot is packed and no one knows how to park. I know you don't want to be at the mall looking for holidays gifts while everyone and their mother also is, but hey - it could be worse.
