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We don't know where every item in the store is off the top of our heads.
Prudence Earl // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/8F0I12ypHPA
It's perfectly okay to ask an employee for help when looking for an item, but don't be surprised if they too have difficulty finding it. Displays move constantly so it is impossible and pointless to commit all of them to mind.
We would much rather you hand us the items you don't want instead of throwing them anywhere in the store.
As a new employee, one of my main jobs is to go around the store and organize displays, put items away, etc. I'd never noticed it as a shopper, but people will throw any item they don't want wherever they want. It's not uncommon to find a pair of shoes under a display full of pants. Please, just do us both a favor and hand over the items you don't want. It's our job to put them away.
We know you don't like being asked, "Finding everything okay?" But it's literally our job.
BBH Singapore // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/Il4aIyNpzaM
Most retail places require that employees greet customers as they walk in and make sure they don't need assistance. It might seem annoying, but we are just doing our job.
We don't control the prices.
As employees, we don't control the prices or sales of items. So please, instead of getting angry with us, take it up with the company itself. We can't do anything.
Refunds are not always possible.
Blake Wisz // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/tE6th1h6Bfk
Please, please, please bring a receipt if you are returning anything. Also, be aware that some cases don't allow us to give you cash or credit, instead they require that you have store credit. It's not something we can control so getting angry with us won't help.
We can't take expired coupons.
They have an expiration date for a reason. It's not something we can just override.
We know you probably don't want to sign up for a store credit card, but we have to ask.
Nathan Dumlao // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/lvWw_G8tKsk
This is one of those things that changes from place to place, but most of the time stores with credit cards require cashiers to ask each customer if they are interested.
Assuring us that we can "take our time" is truly a gift.
Chances are, everyone is doing more than one thing at a time. Please be kind and patient.
I can't just give you a discount.
Claudio Schwarz // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/zKT64MtVKQ0
Discounts require codes and authorizations. I can't just make one up just for you.
We aren't "happy to help" five minutes before closing.
I think there's a misconception that the minute the store closes all the employees' clock out and go home. Spoiler alert: we don't. We spend extra time after closing arranging and organizing things, counting money, etc. So if you come in five minutes to closing and ruin our nicely organized tables, we will not be happy.
We don't really care if you want to shop somewhere else.
Sharon McCutcheon // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/-8a5eJ1-mmQ
There's the common threat of "I am never shopping here again" or "I can just shop somewhere else." The truth is, most retail workers don't work on commission, so we don't really care if you want to shop somewhere else. Especially if you are just downright rude.
If you have children, please watch them. Our store is not a playground.
Part of our training includes understanding the risks and liability the company is under when it comes to customers and accidents in the store. That being said, please don't let your kid climb the employee ladder, pull on shelves, or hide in racks. All of those are dangerous and honestly, we don't have time to pay attention to your children.
"In the back" means almost nothing.
Ruchindra Gunasekara // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/GK8x_XCcDZg
If you ask us to check in the back for something you can't find on the floor, chances are we will walk back, open the door, close the door, and tell you we don't have it. Why? Because there's really no such thing as "the back." We don't keep a plethora of items that are already on the floor in the back. Chances are, if you don't see it on the floor, then we don't have it.
Please PLEASE bring a receipt when you want to return an item.
I know I already included something about returns, but seriously people. Please bring a receipt. That way your return will only take two minutes instead of twenty.
Please read the signs carefully.
Siora Photography // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/XEwpKC3OSSM
"I understand that there was a 50% sign on the same table as the t-shirts, but our promotion is only for the shorts on the table." I know it can be confusing, but most of the signs tell you exactly what is on sale and what is not.
Don't ask the cashier where items on the floor are.
Especially if there's only one cashier, make sure to ask any questions about the location of items before going to the counter. The cashier doesn't know where everything in the store is nor can they leave to check something out for you. There are plenty of people on the sales floor that would be more than willing to help!
Also, we can spot shoplifters from a mile away.
Clem Onojeghuo // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/RLJnH4Mt9A0
When you are forced to greet everyone as you walk in, it's pretty easy to see when people are shoplifting.
More on discounts: We don't control them.
I'm sorry that we don't have a student discount. I'm sorry that our senior discount is only on Tuesdays, but no. I cannot make an exception for you.
We don't know what size shirt your wife wears.
Mark Zamora // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/GYXz60PMgA0
Of husband for that matter. The number of customers that come to the register with something and ask what size their spouse or partner would wear is astonishing. We have no idea how to size someone who isn't there. Also, we don't know how to size people in general! It's not part of the job training.
Finally, retail workers are not in charge of changing things within the store that make you angry.
In fact, any store-wide changes are WAY above the average retail worker's pay grade.
Overall, be kind to your retail workers. Chances are they are working as hard as they can to provide you with the best service possible. Retail is a multi-tasking job and requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. Please be patient.
1. Neon
From neon dresses to tops, It's all fun and super cute. Plus, the best part is that you can make it casual or dress it up.
2. Platform sandals
This is a trend from summer 2018 that is sticking around for another year. These sandals are not only comfortable and cute, but they also go with almost anything in your closet.
3. Midi skirts
This is trend has grown on me! It's definitely a classy look that you can also dress down like in the picture above.
4. Fanny packs
At first, I wasn't too sure if I could pull off this off! I know plenty of people who definitely have. It's also perfect for traveling or those summer music festivals!
5. Headbands
Though I haven't tried wearing headbands yet, I'm so excited to! It's so cute and girly. Literally, there are so many different patterns and ways to wear them, so everyone can find one that matches their style!
6. Jumpsuits
This is another look that is continuing on into 2019, and I'm so excited about it. You'll definitely find me wearing one of these! They are perfect for graduation parties or even a date night with your mans.
7. Mom jeans
For those nights out, jeans are the way to go. They are stylish and so fun. The distress may not be appropriate to wear them to grandma's house.
8. Tie dye
I never thought this time would come, but tie-dye is back! I think the last time I wore tie-dye was in fourth grade. I'm ready to rock it again. It's so cute and such an easy casual look for a hot summer day.
9. One-piece swimsuit
It's back — and I'm so ready for it! They are so cute and way more comfortable than a two-piece. The only downside is the tan lines.
10. Biker shorts
I've been wearing these around the house all winter! I can't wait to actually dress them up! Thanks to Kim K, there are so many ways to rock these shorts.
All these trends are perfect for a night out, a musical festival, or even just hanging out with friends. I hope there is at least one of these trends that you like and plan to try out this summer! There are so many ways to make these trends casual or dressy so, try it out!
1. Snapping pictures on a nature walk
This is a fun activity for all ages. Take your grandparents with you on a nature walk at a park or any pathway with trees and flowers. Enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the wildlife. If there is a local pool or picnic area nearby, the day will be even more fun. Open spaces are great for taking photos to make the memories last, so make sure to bring a camera.
2. Doing a landscape painting
Another outdoor activity that is both fun and relaxing is painting a picture of the scenery. Whether you are a beginner or experienced artist, this is an activity that everyone will love. Open your creativity and really capture an image that photographs do not. Be sure to take your time as you take in the environment. Afterward, the painting you made can be given as a gift for a special occasion or hung on the wall as a memory.
3. Heading to the movies
There are plenty of amazing movies that families can go see during the summer (there are always new ones announced months in advance) they might enjoy. Either an adventure or comedy will be good, since you do not want the film to be too loud or intense. After school is over, this is a nice way to spend time with family while enjoying a summer blockbuster. Visiting a nice restaurant after and talking about what you thought of the movie is a great end to a wonderful day.
4. Making tye-dye t-shirts
Here is another summer activity that will give your shirts a more creative look. Tye-dye shirts are really cool and families will love mixing colors together to create their own unique shirts. Go crazy and have a blast with the design process. If you prefer, you can also go and have a family photo printed on a t-shirt. This will make a great memory of the summer.
5. Taking a trip to the beach
The beach is a wonderful place to go during the summer. There is so much to enjoy and activities to do with family. Feeling the sun on your skin and smelling the ocean will certainly bring you nostalgia. Take a walk along the shore, go for a swim, play Frisbee, or take pictures of the horizon. Grandparents will love the beach and getting the opportunity to catch some fish (weather permitting) and watch the sunset.
6. Visiting a flea or farmer's market
The summer is also the time where vendors will be providing a variety of delicious fruits and vegetables, along with homemade crafts and valuables. Families and grandparents will love picking freshly grown fruit or searching for collectibles. Here you can find great products and the chance to try some organic food. It's also great exercise and the opportunity to appreciate the outdoors. If you really enjoy going, this can become an annual tradition every summer.
7. Going on a fishing trip
Here is a fun activity that all families will enjoy, although it takes a little bit of skill and luck. If you can rent a boat for the summer, try to catch some tasty fish for dinner. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the sun and have fun conversations. Make sure that the weather is nice, and that nobody gets sick. Fishing is an activity that does not require too much strength, but can still be considered a fun summer event.
8. Spending the day at the public pool
There is usually a pool close to home where everyone can bring their families. Here is a chance to stop by and go for a swim. Bring food and bask in the sun (make sure to arrive early to get chairs) before jumping in the water and practicing laps. If there is a water slide, that's another great option. The pool is a place you need to check out during the summer.
9. Watching a live concert or sporting event
Anyone who is a sports fan will like seeing their favorite team or band playing live. Get tickets and either travel to the city, venue, or stadium of your choice to watch them. This is an activity that will bring memories since you were there to see it with close family or relatives. Please refrain from snapping too many pictures. Tune in and have an amazing time.
10. Volunteering for a charitable event
This is a summer activity that brings families together while giving back to the community. Local soup kitchens, churches or other organizations are usually looking for people to donate and participate over the summer. The public library is another great place with fun events. For students, this will be great for resumes, and it's a way to connect with family and the community. It does not matter what charity it is (make sure it's legit) since you are making a difference in society.
