Within the next few weeks, thousands of people all over the country and the world will be rushing to stores and emptying the shelves, all for the sake of the holidays. Dollar bills will fly, and cards will crack from the pressure of their use. What most will never realize, is the reason the shelves stay stocked, or the reason you can get the products you set out to buy is because there is a team of people behind making sure sales are correct, stores stay clean, and that you remain happy. Retail workers have a hard time during the holidays more so than normal. Store traffic is at its highest as well as sales, and the pressure to have the best customer service is daunting daily.
Retail workers always have to have a smile on their face, but during the stress of the holidays they are not always met with a similar approach. If you're one of those shoppers this holiday season, here are a few things to keep in mind when you're hopping from store to store.
The workers in the store have most likely been there for more than eight hours.
Holiday pay is a pleasant bonus and most workers will work obscene hours to make that extra dollar. They are tired and sore, and honestly all the sales are starting to look the same. If you ask them a question and they have to do some searching to find the answer, be patient with them. They will do everything they can to find you exactly what you need.
They have to clean up any mess you make.
Yes it is a part of their job description to keep the store clean. However, there are so many people coming in and out of their store, and so many individuals pulling them in every direction, that it isn't possible to pick up every item immediately after it hits the ground, or becomes unfolded. If a store is messy, acknowledge why. It is the holiday season and people can be careless, ruthless even when it comes to shopping. And if you're one of those people, just know that no one appreciates it. Workers and other shoppers alike.
Just because they work in retail, does not mean they are beneath you.
You don't know their level of education, you don't know how much they make as an individual; you probably don't even know their name unless you took the time to look down at their name tag. Speaking down to another person is inconsiderate no matter where it happens, but you really shouldn't speak that way to someone you expect to give you exactly what you ask for. patience goes a long way. This goes for both the worker and the customer.
Obviously, if a worker in a store you are at isn't doing their job or is being vile you have a right to be upset, but that's why there are store managers and complaint hotlines. There is always a way to have a pleasant experience no matter where you shop. Curtesy goes a long way- this applies to everyone. So just remember, when you see that unfolded table, or those messy shelves, or if a worker forgets to smile at you when you walk by, that you are a valued customer and they do care about what you think of their store. But everyone gets flustered and tired during the holidays, so show some love. Or at least some compassion. It is after all, the holiday season.
