One of the true joys of working retail is the people that you get to interact with. I love people - just being around them, trying to read them, or just interact with them in general. Sometimes I wonder where people get off though.... In the last few days of work I have had more than my share of entertaining customers, a few odd requests, questions, and interactions.
- The first and probably one of the more awkward requests came from a man (a little older than myself) I'd helped him out in the store and then set up a fitting room for him and after that was done he invited me into his stall to "help" him try on the items we'd picked out together. I politely declined the offer... yes it is my job to be friendly and give good customer service but I think that may have slightly crossed the line.
-Another customer asked me to check him and and tell him how attractive I found him/ how good (or not good) he looked in the outfit he was trying on. Unfortunately for him I can be brutally honest when it comes to clothing, but I seem to be able to sugar coat it when necessary... so that's what I did. Best part was he thanked me for telling him that he didn't match, and that he needed smaller pants and so on.... isn't it weird that I get paid to check people out ;)
- I learned a valuable lesson about getting dressed for work, when you're going to wear a dress or jumper you should probably wear leggings or something of that nature underneath. If not it can and more than likely will result in yet another odd conversation.
-My favortie customers thus far have to be a couple that had just recently gotten married, and were looking for some clothes. Or should I say the girl wanted something new for her husband because he "didn't major in fashion" funny thing was of the two of them he was the fashionably dressed one. So the girl shoves her husband at me and the proceeds to just stand there while we pick out some options for him. Another great thing about retail is that you get to hear people's life stories. The reason for his "lack of fashion" was due to his growing up in a little hick town that had no mall or let alone store. He always wears jeans and t-shirts cuz everything else isn't practical for farm life. And then the most amazing statement ever came out of his mouth... " SO ya got anything flannel!?! I wore flannel at my wedding.... " Uhhh.... how do you respond to that kind of thing :) well with a smile of course!