Retail Request

[eliza61]

As a "try to be considerate retail custome", can I ask 1 thing of your retail folk? Can you please find a more friendly way to fold your things? Sometimes, I have no choice but to unfold something to either eyeball the size, see a tag, etc. I can never for the life of me fold it back the way you guys do it! I try, but I always feel bad that someone is going to have to come behind me and fix it!

Do you all take classes for it? please share!

And maybe just to help you feel better, bad customers are bad customers, and they even annoy OTHER customers LOL!

LOL. actually some stores do!! I worked in Macy's on 34th street, the big one and presentation was every thing to them. We actually had a "board" the you laid the sweaters on and folded them in a certain way. You're absolutely right though, it made it hard to quickly get to the tag.

 

[happygirl]

I don't understand - most attendants at most stores tell me that is EXACTLY what they are there for. Guess it depends on the store?

I've worked retail before and I guess I always figured it WAS my job to wait on customers and clean up their messes. What other reason do retail stores have staff for? Well, to cash them out and take their money of course. I always figured that there was little point for customers to fold/put away since I always had to do it again the "right way" anyway.

In most clothes stores they will wait on your hand and foot.

 

[jen0610]

When trying on clothes, please bring in what you want to try on. It is NOT the job of the dressing room attendent to go back into the racks of clothes because you didn't get the right size. We are not your personal shoppers. Go get it yourself!

I don't understand - most attendants at most stores tell me that is EXACTLY what they are there for. Guess it depends on the store?

I've worked retail before and I guess I always figured it WAS my job to wait on customers and clean up their messes. What other reason do retail stores have staff for? Well, to cash them out and take their money of course. I always figured that there was little point for customers to fold/put away since I always had to do it again the "right way" anyway.

The girls at Torrid always tell me to just let them get a different size if I need it. They even go so far as to make suggestions and bring said items to me. Now, do they do that all the Torrid stores or am I lucky and just have an awsome rew that works at my local store, I don't know. I do know I wouldn't trade them for anything.

As far as cleaning up after myself, I can not leave the items just laying in the dressing room. I may not get them folded or hung back the way they had them, but I give it a good try.

 

[Sherrypooh]

This is target. Part of the fitting room attendant is to answer phones and security. To leave the desk to go and get clothes/items takes away from the job at hand. Yes, I am sure at macys where they are a higher end store they are probably more than happy to tell you their opinion but at a retail chain we have enough on our plates. Sorry if this sounds harsh but after cleanning up after people for 8 hours a night it just gets old.

 

[crashbb]

The girls at Torrid always tell me to just let them get a different size if I need it. They even go so far as to make suggestions and bring said items to me. Now, do they do that all the Torrid stores or am I lucky and just have an awsome rew that works at my local store, I don't know. I do know I wouldn't trade them for anything.

As far as cleaning up after myself, I can not leave the items just laying in the dressing room. I may not get them folded or hung back the way they had them, but I give it a good try.

The same thing happens where I tend to shop (Banana Republic for example). The staff in the dressing rooms offer to get different sizes. Of course, I assume that there is a comission involved, and that by getting a different size/style/whatever, they hope that I'll mention their name when asked if anyone helped me. But hey, it is still nice.

 

[andymattmom]

I worked retail years ago...and try to follow the rules.

As a customer we need to remember not to put the sales clerk on the spot. I was waiting in line with hubby at Macy's once to exchange a shirt for MIL (another thing don't whine at clerks about the RETURN POLICY when it is clearly written). A lady in front of me was taking forever but was almost done (no one in line behind me either). This lady's friend came up with arm full of stuff and put it on counter---to be rung up. I said excuse me I am next....clerk had NO CLUE who to help. This 'friend' state 'OH I'M WITH HER'....sorry I don't care----you weren't in line you have to wait BEHIND ME. Clerk was put on spot...guess that is moral of this story----thankfully clerk helped me....lady huffed off WITHOUT BUYING.

I feel for the retail people and admit I have been bad in the past. Remember that person on the other end of the phone at Best Buy or whatever 800# you call is just doing their job too. If you can't understand Joe in India---say thank you and call back until you get someone you can or ask for another person. Don't yell at them.

 

[Coconut36]

This is target. Part of the fitting room attendant is to answer phones and security. To leave the desk to go and get clothes/items takes away from the job at hand. Yes, I am sure at macys where they are a higher end store they are probably more than happy to tell you their opinion but at a retail chain we have enough on our plates. Sorry if this sounds harsh but after cleanning up after people for 8 hours a night it just gets old.

I agree. For some places getting another size is not part of what the fitting room attendant is there for..places like Target are a perfect example as that person is the store operator, does security functions, holds and distributes paychecks..etc. Also the expanse of the clothing section can take them far away from the desk where they have to do all those duties as well.

In a place that is focused only on clothing like Torrid or has people dedicated to nothing but clothing it is appropriate for them to get other sizes if asked.

 

[tara lynn]

Don't be sorry, your effort doesn't go unappreciated. To me, not at least trying to put things back the way you found them just shows a lack of respect for the people who work there, and the item itself. I really don't hold a high opinion of people who think nothing of trashing a pile of clothes and leave it behind for the workers and the other customers to deal with, in case you couldn't tell

I worked at Target in high school and there were times when I would spend 20-30 minutes fixing a table of clothes, leave for my 15 minute break, and then come back only to find the table looking like a bomb exploded. Some unfolded shirts are to be expected but sometimes it looked like someone just picked up the piles and threw them around.
My co-workers and I would always try to figure out how just a few people could make such a big mess so quickly.

 

[DizBelle]

I worked retail years ago...and try to follow the rules.

As a customer we need to remember not to put the sales clerk on the spot. I was waiting in line with hubby at Macy's once to exchange a shirt for MIL (another thing don't whine at clerks about the RETURN POLICY when it is clearly written). A lady in front of me was taking forever but was almost done (no one in line behind me either). This lady's friend came up with arm full of stuff and put it on counter---to be rung up. I said excuse me I am next....clerk had NO CLUE who to help. This 'friend' state 'OH I'M WITH HER'....sorry I don't care----you weren't in line you have to wait BEHIND ME. Clerk was put on spot...guess that is moral of this story----thankfully clerk helped me....lady huffed off WITHOUT BUYING.

I feel for the retail people and admit I have been bad in the past. Remember that person on the other end of the phone at Best Buy or whatever 800# you call is just doing their job too. If you can't understand Joe in India---say thank you and call back until you get someone you can or ask for another person. Don't yell at them.

This same thing happened to me at Michael's. Except the clerk helped the lady before me. GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

 

[MrsKreamer]

I have worked retail for the last 4 years, and 6 or so years before I had kids.
I agree with all that has been said here so far.

I can add:

Don't complain to us about the prices! We have no control over the pricing, and no we can not "Knock another 10% off" of that item(if it is not damaged)...this store is run by a corporation and they do not allow us to adjust the pricing other than applying valid coupons.
And to be honest the prices aren't bad! I don't work for the Dollar Store(not that there is anything wrong with that!) and our products cost money, but have quality.

I am not a babysitter. Yes I know my store has kid projects on the weekend, but take a few minutes and do the craft WITH your child. You don't know me from Eve, so don't make me responsible for entertaining your children while you shop. My store gets crazy this time of year, and I do not wish to be responsible if your child wanders off, or God forbid they leave with someone else.
A lady was very angry a few weeks ago when I gently told her to please stay with her child during the craft. She gave me a look that could kill, and yelled at her child to "come on" she didn't have time for this...

Just remember You catch more flies with honey... If you have a complaint and you are really nice about it, we are more likely to go out of our way to help you!

 

[Frantasmic]

I have a question about the closing time rules. I'm not trying to disagree, just wonder what is reasonable. I too worked retail in college and at a restaurant in high school. I was just wondering what everyone's opinion was on this.

If closing time is say 9:00 p.m. and someone comes in at 8:55 to get something, they are there before closing. I remember places where the lights dimmed at 9:00 p.m., stating they were closed and you had 10 minutes to reach the register. Is 10 minutes a good time to expect people to check out? Or should everyone take into consideration that the store is closing and not even bother to show up the last 15 minutes?

In the store I worked at, we locked the doors at 9:00 p.m. and if people were in line, we'd let them out one at a time as they finished, but we'd still be there after "closing" time.

For the restaurant I worked it, it was a single operation, fast-food, and the boss always wanted an extra buck. It was rare to turn people away, some who may even have come in 5 minutes after official "closing" time. He paid in cash and I don't remember too many overtime hours, but he seemed to be pretty fair.

 

[tlbwriter]

To me, closing time means my business should be done by then. It doesn't mean that as long as I make it inside the door by that time, I can stay as long as I want. If it's five minutes until closing and I desperately need one item that's close to the front door, I'll do it. If I know I won't even make it to the cash register until 20 minutes after closing time, I won't do it.

 

[tlbwriter]

To me, closing time means my business should be done by then. It doesn't mean that as long as I make it inside the door by that time, I can stay as long as I want. If it's five minutes until closing and I desperately need one item that's close to the front door, I'll do it. If I know I won't even make it to the cash register until 20 minutes after closing time, I won't do it.

 

[Coconut36]

I have a question about the closing time rules. I'm not trying to disagree, just wonder what is reasonable. I too worked retail in college and at a restaurant in high school. I was just wondering what everyone's opinion was on this.

If closing time is say 9:00 p.m. and someone comes in at 8:55 to get something, they are there before closing. I remember places where the lights dimmed at 9:00 p.m., stating they were closed and you had 10 minutes to reach the register. Is 10 minutes a good time to expect people to check out? Or should everyone take into consideration that the store is closing and not even bother to show up the last 15 minutes?

In the store I worked at, we locked the doors at 9:00 p.m. and if people were in line, we'd let them out one at a time as they finished, but we'd still be there after "closing" time.

For the restaurant I worked it, it was a single operation, fast-food, and the boss always wanted an extra buck. It was rare to turn people away, some who may even have come in 5 minutes after official "closing" time. He paid in cash and I don't remember too many overtime hours, but he seemed to be pretty fair.

I think it is a fine line to walk..the last retailer I worked for would make an announcement at intervals before closing..so 15, 10 and 5 and then a final one indicating the store was closed. Yes if you come in before closing you can shop..but I think some common sense and common courtesy should come into play as well.

If you know the store closes at 9pm and you get there at 8:55 with plans to do extensive shopping that is inconsiderate and wrong and you will likely be told at closing to please finalize your purchases and check out and I don't think that is unreasonable.

So by all means enter before closing but be prepared to head to the check out at actual closing time..otherwise wait until the next day and you have more time during operating hours (that is my personal opinion..I am such each retailer and manager has their own feelings on the matter).

 

[Andtototoo]

Here's mine:

Do NOT -- repeat do NOT -- snap your fingers at me.

Then you will have to wait even longer for service because it's going to take me several moments to sufficiently compose myself to keep from lunging at you and breaking your freaking fingers.

 

[castmember19]

I used to work at a Disney store and loved when a guest would get angry about something they would say " I own stock in this company" Like that matters and we should do whatever they want.

Now I work elsewhere and the angry guest now says "I have spent thousands here" and should get whatever they want.

WE DON"T CARE. We have to do what corporate tells us and are not your slaves. The best is when a guest yells for a district manager's telephone number, knowing they will create a guest issue.

These are just a few people but they sure spoil it for everyone. 95% of our guests are very nice and make our job fine.

I kind of giggle when (not even at work, but just at any generally large company) somebody threatens to take their business elsewhere. I've heard this said about both Disney and WalMart and I hate to say it, but those companies are so successful that one or even a few shoppers isn't going to make much of a difference...

 

[connorlevismom]

Do you work at JoAnn's?? I do, and I could have written your post!

Here's one to add:

7. Please do not feel free to open the door to our break room and say "I hate to bother you while you are on your break, BUT..." and then proceed to ask us to help you with a million and one things. Chances are, this is the first time we have sat down since we got to work, we are tired and hungry, and probably only get 15 minutes anyway. Honestly, we don't mind directing you to ONE item, but other than that, find someone out on the sales floor.

I would never in a MILLION YEARS occur to me to do something like this. What is wrong with people?

Empty baskets can be returned where you got them from or by your feet at the beginning of the conveyor belt at checkout. How do you go your entire life and not know that?

I honestly never knew this and I am 37 year old. There are no signs or basket holders at the beginning on the conveyor belts where I shop and it really never dawned on me to take my basket along with my bags and return it to the front of the store where I picked it up. Learn something new every day!

I absolutely cannot stand when I see people being rude to a cahsier. Right before Thanksgiving I was at Kohls in line to return something and there were three clerks helping people and a very long line. Those poor girls were getting put through the ringer with every customer that came up to them. I was mortified for them.

When I was done I left the store, went to Starbucks and got each of them $10 gift cards. I went back to Kohls, stood back in the line and gave them each their card and a thank-you for all their hard work. I was not a huge dollar amount, but I wanted them to know that there are people out their who appreciate all the hard work they do.

Kristine

 

[Sorsha]

I think it is a fine line to walk..the last retailer I worked for would make an announcement at intervals before closing..so 15, 10 and 5 and then a final one indicating the store was closed. Yes if you come in before closing you can shop..but I think some common sense and common courtesy should come into play as well.

If you know the store closes at 9pm and you get there at 8:55 with plans to do extensive shopping that is inconsiderate and wrong and you will likely be told at closing to please finalize your purchases and check out and I don't think that is unreasonable.

So by all means enter before closing but be prepared to head to the check out at actual closing time..otherwise wait until the next day and you have more time during operating hours (that is my personal opinion..I am such each retailer and manager has their own feelings on the matter).

That's how we handle it too.

At 8:45, an announcement is made; "If I may have your attention please, JoAnn's will be closing in 15 minutes. Please finalize your purchases and make your way to the registers to check out. We will reopen again at 9 AM tomorrow to serve you. Thanks, and have a great evening!"

After that, people may continue to enter the store, right up until 9 PM, and at 9 PM we lock the doors (so now one else can get in) and repeat the announcement, only saying "If I may have your attention please, it is now 9 PM and JoAnn's is now closed. Please finalize your purchases..."

We will continue to help those still in the store at that point, but we also begin to clean up, so expect lights to go down, bathrooms to close for cleaning, vaccuuming and sweeping to start, etc. There will less staff available to help customers.

If, at about 9:15, people are still wandering aimlessly, we begin to approach them and say, firmly but politely, "I am sorry but we are closed now, is there something I can help you find?" Translation: "time to get going, we are all wanting to get done and go home, PLEASE tell me what you are looking for so I can help you find it and get you OUT!" We are not allowed to actually tell people to go home, but we can make it very obvious that its time for you to leave.

 

[Swan4Me]

My retail request................know who is shopping in your store-dont use the same piped in music for every single store

I do not want to listen to rap Xmass carols while shopping in my upscale department store

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If I have to take a sweater or something folded off a shelf, I refold it the best I can, but I can never get it back the way it was and I know someone has to go refold it after me. I'm sorry!!!!!

My stint in retail--we used folding boards. No matter how hard a customer tried, they were never going to fold it as well as we could with that board.

While I won't leave a trashed pile and despised when people treat the clothing displays like a rubbish pile...bottom line, there is a particular way that items get folded and most often the stack is getting refolded at the end of the night. Not sure if that remains the case, but I have seen some stores still using these things.

I just leave it as neat as possible so that in the event a customer was looking for that particular item, they would realize it was for sale and not for the garbage can.