My eldest child, Max, and I braved the crowds on Black Friday because we thrive in the midst of chaos. He had saved up for a speaker he desperately wanted, and during our early morning shopping spree, he discovered he could snag it for $50 off. His excitement was palpable: “Mom, if we don’t hurry, they might sell out! What will we do then?” The urgency in his voice suggested that the world would come crashing down if we missed the deal.
Being the incredible mom that I am, I agreed, “Let’s go for it!” Overall, the atmosphere was cheerful, with people exchanging warm greetings and holiday spirit. I even spotted a few festive Santa hats and reindeer antlers, which added to the merriment. I was feeling quite jolly myself.
However, as we approached the checkout, the man in front of us transformed from a friendly adult into a complete jerk in an instant because his mixer was not ringing up at the sale price. Not just any jerk, but a condescending one who thought slamming his keys on the counter would somehow expedite the situation. He seemed to think he was far too important to wait and demanded the cashier override the price immediately.
It’s my firm belief that if you take your frustrations out on a retail worker over something beyond their control, you’re simply being rude. The cashier calmly activated her light to call for a manager while maintaining her composure. It made me wonder if retail training includes lessons on dealing with the disrespectful customers who think they’re above everyone else. She handled the situation with grace, far better than I would have. I shot a glare at the man, which he didn’t notice but gave me a bit of satisfaction.
When the manager finally arrived, the man’s issue was resolved in under two minutes, but he remained irate with the world. The cashier deserved a heartfelt “thank you” for efficiently sorting out his tantrum, yet, of course, she received nothing but his scorn.
He could have expressed his frustration about being in a hurry without being rude, but it seemed he felt no need to show courtesy because she was behind the register. All his personal grievances were unfairly directed at her. Maybe he was uncomfortable in his holiday attire or just needed a coffee. Regardless, his frustration was not her fault; she was simply there to earn a living.
As I approached the counter, I struck up a light conversation with her. “How long have you been working here?” I asked. “Just started my shift,” she replied. I inquired about her family, and she shared, “I have three little ones, but I won’t see them tonight. They struggle when I’m not there to tuck them in, so I feel awful.” While she was working long hours and missing her kids, she had to endure the occasional customer treating her as if she were insignificant simply because of her job. Most retail establishments operate under the outdated “The customer is always right” mantra, and employees must abide by it.
The point is, retail workers put in tremendous effort and endure a lot of nonsense, especially during the holiday rush. So, let’s not be rude this season.
Stores can resemble a tornado aftermath, but it’s often the adults causing the havoc. Our children observe this behavior, which isn’t the example we should set. If you change your mind about an item, please take a moment to return it to its rightful place. Leaving items strewn haphazardly throughout the store is inconsiderate.
Yes, retail workers are there to assist you, but they shouldn’t have to clean up after careless shoppers. They want to ensure you have a pleasant experience, but they’re not there to be abused or humiliated in front of long lines of waiting customers. Ironically, the same people who create chaos often expect the store to be perfectly organized when they arrive.
If you decide to explore a clothing display, remember to do so without creating a mess. Someone will have to spend time restoring order. The diligent individuals who zip up dresses, find misplaced items, and even dispose of trash for you deserve your respect.
If a register malfunctions or a coupon is expired, it’s not the fault of the employee. They’re just as frustrated and want to resolve issues as quickly as you do.
During the holiday season, remember that you can still achieve your shopping goals without being rude. Everyone has their own challenges, including the retail workers who are trying to make a living. If you can’t manage to be polite while shopping in person, consider staying home and using online retailers instead.
If you can maintain your composure during your holiday shopping, be sure to share a smile or kind word with the hard-working individuals at your favorite stores. Your thoughtfulness can uplift their spirits and show appreciation for their efforts.
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Summary
The holiday season is a time for generosity and kindness, especially toward retail workers who work tirelessly to make shopping enjoyable. It’s essential to treat them with respect and dignity, as they are doing their best under often challenging circumstances. Remember to model good behavior for our children and encourage a culture of appreciation during this bustling time of year.