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mara williams
on Jun 18 2013 - 06:00 AM
Hey, manchild, mama says: clean your room, wash the dishes, don't drink and drive.
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Emily Parnell
on Jun 16 2013 - 06:00 AM
Eating fresh, local produce is good for body and soul
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Jim Cosgrove
on Jun 13 2013 - 06:00 AM
I just want to buy some pants. Please, turn down the music.
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- kim nakahodo - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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I have written here many times about my other life… my retail life. I have worked a second retail job for over 10 years now. I have tried to quit a few times, but because I have no spine and find it impossible to quit jobs, I am still there.
I stay for many reasons; I work with really great people, the employee discount and I work in the video game section, how cool is that? I also stay in retail because it makes me better at my other job, the career one. I know it sounds crazy, but working in retail shows me what works and what doesn’t work in communications, marketing, product design and customer service in a real-time setting. I get paid to watch someone else’s plan work or not work, then take the parts that work back to my other job without having to experience the failures myself.
I was “outted” at my new job this weekend. I ran into not just one, but two co-workers while I was in the “red” this weekend. Doh. I hadn’t told anyone at my new job about my moonlighting gig. I wouldn’t say that I was embarrassed about it, but it does seem weird to people. I make good money at my first job so why do I keep the second? Back up to the beginning of the blog for your answers.
I must say that working retail means I watch humanity regress to a caveman-like status every Christmas season. It starts at the beginning of November, spikes the day after Thanksgiving and peaks again the week of Christmas.
You name it, I have seen it. Drunk, dead-beat dads on Christmas Eve shopping for their kids, people stealing everything that’s not nailed down, two soccer moms fist fighting over the last off-brand MP3 on sale that day, dads running down the isles of the store for the last few Furbys in stock.
I have been called every name in the book and some how people think that being nasty to me will make me want to help them more. I love it when people think they are better than you because you happen to have a nametag on at the moment. I shrug off most of their comments; I mean you really think you’re a better person because you waited outside for 3 hours in the freezing cold for something we had on sale in the color you really wanted last week? :)
I think one of my favorite Christmas seasons was the Nintendo Wii season. We were out, had been for a while. Our Nintendo rep told us that we were not going to get any more in before Christmas and we were weeks away from that. I can’t tell you how many people yelled at us and how many comments we “overheard (because they screamed it as they left our section)” that we were hiding them in the back and wanted to ruin their kid's Christmas. Sorry people… no conspiracy theory here. It’s a simple case of supply and demand and you happened to be on the losing end of that deal.
So, I ask if you do go out into that goodnight/early morning, please be kind to the people who are trying to help you wearing a nametag. We are overworked and away from our family so that you can save $10 on an MP3 player made by a manufacturer you have never heard of before.
Well said. I worked retail all through college and now I try and make a concerted effort to be kind to people with nametags/walkie talkies as I have walked in their shoes. I will be one of the crazies in line this year and I promise to remember my manners.I have never worked in retail, but I have the restaurant industry which is about as bad when it comes to rude people. I try so hard to be cool those working in retail because I know it can't be easy, just like I try to be an extra good tipper when I eat out. Common courtesy does go a long way.The closest to retail I've ever worked was at a convenience store/gas station many years ago. I can't emphathize with the Black Friday stuff, but can with the long hours and being on your feet. I won't be out there with the other wacky people at 4 a.m., but I wish you smooth sailing that particular day!I've worked in retail in the past, and although it's been many years, I remember it well. I do try to be a good customer, but I avoid Black Friday like the plague. I get stressed VERY easily, plus I really hate to shop, so saving a few bucks on BF just isn't worth it to me to go out in those crowds and deal with people.Ok, I agree with what you have written... great blog. BUT, I have to mention one little thing.... last year when I was on the hunt for the zhu zhu pets someone in "red" told me they were all gone and yet there she was pushing a cart with a few buried on the bottom. At same "red" store, a clerk hid a computer that was a black friday deal for his relatives that were right behind me in line. So yeah, it happens. Still, I drove to Lawrence last week and got this year's hot toy... it's nice to have it in the bag. I'll still go out on black friday.... just to be nice to the clerks.Customer: "I have Anderson windows and need drapes and sheers." Associate (clerk): "What size are your windows? "Customer (with attitude) "I told you already. I have Anderson windows." Associate (clerk) "Still, we'll need to know the measurements of the windows so the draperies and sheers will be the correct size." Customer (snidely) "They are Anderson windows. (sighing hugely)" Associate (clerk) "Anderson or othewise, we need the size of the windows, for me to help you find what you are looking for." Customer (with Elvis lip curled) "What I am looking for are drapes and sheers for my Anderson windows." Associate (clerk) "We sold out of Anderson window drapes and curtains last week. The next order won't be here for two weeks." Customer (heavy sigh)"Well, alright then. If you had just answered that in the beginning, it would saved me a lot of time." Customer left. Associate (clerk) busted out laughing. Anderson windows are a brand name and come in various sizes. People are nuts!!Hahahhah!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have had customers like that! Customer: I want a video game, he's 6. Me: Do you know what system he owns? Customer: No, but it plugs into the TV. Then the guessing game begins....I worked retail for two years. I found that generally the Black Fridays customers were pleasant--they want to be there and understand the lines. I received many thank yous for working that day. As to annieinkansas, I didn't find it funny. I thought the clerk rude also--she could have educated the customer to the fact that Anderson windows come in different sizes. Obviously, the customer didn't realize that!I survived my 10th Black Friday as a retailer! Yea! I must say, this was the most challenging year yet. Customer: "That DS was supposed to be on sale! It's right here in your ad!" (Shows me ad) Me: "I'm sorry, we are not Target, this is _____." Customer: "&@**^*" I can't believe this! I bet you won't help me out and match this price, will you??!!?!" Me: "I'm sorry, it's against store policy." Customer: "&@^&**$!" and leaves the store. ahhhh....
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