Attn Christmas Shoppers!

[maxiesmom]

Just a few tips from someone who has worked retail for a long, long time. Now I know that we all run into the not to friendly sales associate who would rather chew gum and chat than be helpful. This is not meant to start an us against them fight. These few things are just gentle reminders.

Please keep an eye on your children. It is truly frightening how many times we have to look for a lost little one.

If your child is screaming because they are tired, take them home! No matter how tempting, do not scream back.

Do not ever swear at an associate. It is not appropriate not matter how upset you are. You would not believe the things that come out of some peoples mouths.

If you have a child in a stroller, please keep an eye on them. They are not made to be climed on. The floor is hard and it will hurt if they knock their head on it. Also, please do not take your child on the escelator in the stroller. Please use the elevator. I understand it may be out of the way, but isn't your childs safety worth a few steps? And don't say you can control it, because I have heard that before and seen what happens when a parent cannot control it.

If someone says hi to you have the courtesy to say hi back.

When you are checking out, please put the cell-phone away. It is hard to ask you any questions when you are talking on your phone. And if something is not ringing up the right price we will not know, but you will if you are paying attention.

The sales associate has no control over the ads. We do not order or price our merchandise, so if you are mad, please do not yell at us. i know it stinks that they only send 5 of something in the ad and now we are out but it is not my fault. You need to get the corporate number and let them know how you feel.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. If it makes life easier for just one fellow sales associate it will be worth it!

 

[missypie]

I can't believe how many people talk on the cell phone while buying/paying for something. That is so rude!

For the life of me, I can't figure out why a huge portion of the American population feels the need to be constantly on the cell phone. I have a demanding job, a husband and three kids, yet I don't spend my life on the cell phone. I try to spend as little time on the phone as possible.

 

[disneymom3]

Having worked retail for a few years at the holiday season, I think your suggestions are great. I would also just add--having worked in a toy store--it is also not the salesperson's fault that you waited until 3 days before Christmas and now cannot find the "One thing" little Suzy or Joey wants. And Christmas will not be ruined forever if you do not find it.

 

[mommaU4]

I worked in retail in every position from a part time sales associate to full time store manager over the course of 8 years and it can be a tough job expecially at the holidays.

I agree with everything you posted and promise to do all the ones that pertain to me. (no more strollers for us)

BUT.....it's a two way street. And I would like all the sales associates to show a little effort to help us out in return when we need it. Fair?

 

[crazee4mickey]

Great tips......thanks!
It really bothers me when you say hi and they won't respond or if you hold the door open for someone and they don't even acknowledge the gesture!

 

[C.Ann]

I have a very strict policy that I follow when I shop.. If the salesperson is pleasant and courteous to me, I respond in kind.. If not, all bets are off....

 

[arminnie]

I have never worked retail so I'm no expert, but I hope I know how to be a polite customer.

I remember at the Disney Store one time my phone rang when I was paying. The salesperson was so surprised that I didn't answer it (pleasantly). I told her that anything could wait for 2 minutes for me to call them back. And I have an 84 year old father that I care for.

I was in New Orleans last weekend. The checker at the grocery store was almost painfully slow, but you know what - she was better than I would have been. She told me how many people had yelled at her that day and that she had almost quit that morning.

Even though she was slow, she was trying very hard. I told her how much I appreciated her. There are no workers in New Orleans right now. Lots of those working are new employees and do not have the skill of someone who's been on the job or awhile.

Sometimes I try to be extra nice to gripey workers to see if I can improve their mood. Sometimes a little kindness works - and sometimes it doesn't. I try not to stoop to their level if they are awful. But I will complain to management if it they really cross the line.

 

[Tinkim]

I have a very strict policy that I follow when I shop.. If the salesperson is pleasant and courteous to me, I respond in kind.. If not, all bets are off....

 

[LuvN~Travel]

Actually I just had a brainwave. When my customers get on the phone and hold everybody up this holiday season, I may just lead everyone else in a LOUD round of We Wish You a Merry Christmas! I can bring up their spirits and get the point across at the same time to the cell phone user
Kim

 

[Poohnatic]

Great points!

Parents, please don't use the toy store (or any store) as your free babysitting while you look in the Bombay company, Victoria's Secret etc! Our company has a strict policy that we have to call mall security to pick up any unattended children.

I know you may think the store is safe, but think of Dru shodin, Erika Heather Smith and other young ladies much older than your child who were abducted from malls.

Suzanne

 

[jekajekalynn]

:

Please keep an eye on your children. It is truly frightening how many times we have to look for a lost little one.
:

Ughhh!!! That is my BIGGEST shopping peeve!! It makes me think that some parents have lobeotomies or something! "Here lets leave 4 year old Johny by the toy aisle while I take my ditsy self over to look at some shoes" .

I have sooooo many stories of ignorant parents leaving there little (and I mean as young as toddlers!)kids off somewhere while they go into their own little world and shop.

One time I even saw a lady at the airport in her own little world on the cell phone while her little preschooler was a full 20 feet behind her in this HUGE airport carrying her little suitcase!! And yes before ppl flame me I KNOW this was her kid because she glanced back for a second and said something to the child before resuming her very important gab session on the cell phone. It was very crowded and full of ppl and the child could have been easily distracted, lost, or worse......

And people wonder why there are so many child abductions these days.......



Also, a friend of mine who works at JC Penney told me that some ditsy 'parents' (I call them that loosely) were to busy "oooooh-ing" and "ahhhh-ing" at some jewlrey at let there barely walking toddler almost stumble onto the Escalator by itself!! She (my friend) caught the baby before it hurt itself on the escalator. When she handed the baby back to "parents' they acted like it was no big deal....

 

[LadyyRedd]

Actually I just had a brainwave. When my customers get on the phone and hold everybody up this holiday season, I may just lead everyone else in a LOUD round of We Wish You a Merry Christmas! I can bring up their spirits and get the point across at the same time to the cell phone user
Kim

OMG - LOL!!! I love it!!!!!!!! I should have done this the other day when I was trying to process a return for someone. I asked her for her ID THREE times while she chatted on the phone, so I just stopped and stared at her while she had her conversation. She finally looked at me and said "Is there a problem?" and I said "I'm still waiting for your ID, but I'm sure you probably just didn't hear me."

Kimya

 

[chell]

This will be my first Christmas season back in retail since I was 16 years old.

I'm getting a little scared.

Just think today I called my boss to let him know that next Friday I'm off from my day job. Oh my! What was I thinking?

 

[disneynutt1225]

This will be my first Christmas season back in retail since I was 16 years old.

I'm getting a little scared.

Just think today I called my boss to let him know that next Friday I'm off from my day job. Oh my! What was I thinking?

I'm hoping to never have to work a black friday in retail again, and you go and VOLUNTEER???? LOL, good luck to ya!

 

[chell]

I'm hoping to never have to work a black friday in retail again, and you go and VOLUNTEER???? LOL, good luck to ya!

I know! What was I thinking? Ahhhh!!!

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I know! What was I thinking? Ahhhh!!!

There is a word for people like you.. .. MASOCHIST!

*CHUCKLES*

This also pertains to people who call places on the phone and place orders, especially when placing reservations. Everyone else has the same idea, A certain location is VERY popular at Christmas and NewYear. People really shouldn't be surprized when they're told the only rooms available are the suites at certain resorts.

 

[Lil_Tink]

I once lost my brother in disney. Of course they had simpathy for me because I was only 13...

We went to the rest room. Me girls, him boys and he never came out. So I had to go get a man security to get him out.

 

[chell]

There is a word for people like you.. .. MASOCHIST!

*CHUCKLES*

Well, I must say that is the frist time I've ever been called that.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

Well, I must say that is the frist time I've ever been called that.

Anyone who volunteers for black friday, has to be one! *grins* But then again The parents who drag the kids out to shop those hours are saidsts too. *grin*

have fun, but remember, bring comfy shoes, an Ipod to play your favorite tunes, and LOTS OF WATER>

 

[BethanyF]

Anyone who volunteers for black friday, has to be one! *grins*

not only do I work on Black Friday, but I volunteer for the opening shift (4:30 AM). This will be Christmas #4 for me
However, I am guranteed a decent parking spot and I am out of there before noon and back to bed as soon as I get home.

One more word of advice....if you are in line behind an employee, dont lie and say you were there before her. When my shift ends, I usually get in the line to make my purchases as well as become the line marker...anyone not in line before me does not get the door buster deal.