We are the ones who work eight-hour shifts every day on our feet. We work every weekend, every holiday, pretty much every day and we get that it is our job to be there. We signed up for the eight-hour shifts and the holidays spent working. What we didn't sign up for is how most of us get treated every day by customers. Here's a few things us retail workers want you to know about how you can make our lives a little bit easier.
1. When we greet you, say something back. Anything.
There is nothing quite like asking a customer about their day and getting a dirty look in return. No really, we love it. (Can you feel my sarcasm?) We don't expect you to give us a minute by minute update on your life, sometimes even a simple "hello" or a smile will do. No one is too important or busy to smile.
2. Leave your bad day at the door.
We all have crappy days. There is absolutely no reason to take out your anger on a retail worker who is just doing their job. It's not our fault that the prices are too high, or that we don't have your size or that your coupon is expired.
3. Do not return clothes that you've already worn.
Some stores do not have the right to refuse an item if it has been worn but this doesn't change the fact that it's wrong. Not only is it pretty much stealing, as you get the benefit of the product and still get your money back, it's so gross and rude.
4. Hang your clothes back up in the fitting room.
It doesn't take that long and it's much nicer than leaving them in a pile on the floor for us to pick up.
5. If an associate has taken the time to help you, thank them.
There is nothing worse than spending hours with a customer to help them find the right outfit, only to find that they have left the store without a word.
6. Remember that we are human.
Sometimes we bring you the wrong size. Sometimes we forget the discount. Sometimes we accidentally give you the wrong change. We are human and we make mistakes. Try to have some grace.
7. Try not to leave a trail of destruction as you walk through the store.
Unfolding every shirt. Knocking pants off of hangers. Leaving half-eaten cookies on top of shelves. Can you like, not?
8. Try and be respectful of our time.
We can't open the store early for you because we still have a lot to do before the store is ready to be open. We don't want to stay an hour after closing, we have families and friends that we'd like to see too.
9. Give us the benefit of the doubt.
We don't always tell you something looks cute because we are trying to sell it to you. We aren't messing with the prices to get more money out of you. We aren't lying when we say there aren't any available coupons at the moment. We aren't greedy, money-hungry salesmen, so stop treating us like we are out to get you. We are retail workers who are trying to do our best at our job.
Here's the thing—we are there to make your shopping experience as painless and pleasant as we can. We love to help you find the perfect outfit for your engagement pictures or earrings that make your eyes sparkle. It makes it a whole lot easier for everyone involved when both parties are kind to each other.
