The Reality of Retail

By Retail_Realist - About Me - E-mail this page - Add to My Favorites - Add to Blog List - See other blogs in Opinion

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Accountablity is Uncomfortable

Accountability. Have you noticed how people cringe when the word is mentioned? If I must hold someone accountable, I often feel more uncomfortable than the person I am holding accountable. Ever felt like that? If I am holding someone accountable to a standard or expectation, it's expected that he or... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 9:26 PM | add or view comments (1) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sales Associates Discover Their Hands and Feet

Where are the people? I've been asking myself this question all week as the store has been quiet, and sales have been down. As shifts were changing from the afternoon to evening, managers and associates exchanged greetings and mingled without customer interactions as the store was empty, excluding... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 9:10 PM | add or view comments (3) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Thursday, March 5, 2009

"Scotcanada, this is for you!"

Upon request, I get to climb up high on my soap box for a moment and blog about those wonderful Mystery Shoppers. They can make you or break you; and while I always dread waiting for the result, good or bad, I'm always relieved when the "Mystery Shop" is behind me. For those who don't know about... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 7:19 PM | add or view comments (5) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

"If you ask me how my day was, I might just tell you."

Today's shock value decreased slightly over yesterday's. While this fact doesn't lend to more ostentatious story-telling in my glamorous retail environment, I've decided I can deal with it. So I talk about nail-biting experiences with shoplifters....Who else doesn't have an unusual encounter at some... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 9:17 PM | add or view comments (8) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Monday, March 2, 2009

"Never let 'em see you sweat."

Shoplifting makes you sweat! Well, for some who are better skilled at this kind of dark deed, they may not break into a telling sweat, but today, a not-so-skilled woman was desperately needing a deodorant refresh as she tried to get a self-made discount on her items of choice. She looked like "our... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 7:07 PM | add or view comments (2) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Thursday, February 26, 2009

"I'm running with scissors!"

I can never run fast enough. I suppose it's because I always have on cheese grater shoes. Anyway... Yesterday I assisted one of my little customers who always manages to demand the majority of my time and attention when she's in the store. She's polite, sweet, and tremendously needy. "Don't mind... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 7:22 PM | add or view comments (5) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Monday, February 23, 2009

I am still here!

Though I allow myself to be overwhelmed at times, I am still fulfilling my momentary calling in the retail ministry. Please note I have put in my prayer request to ask God to assign me to some happier vocation.... Perhaps one that allows me to ask, "Do you want fries with that?" Or maybe I can work... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 9:39 PM | add or view comments (5) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Friday, January 23, 2009

Ten Things I Don't Want to See in the Fitting Room

Empty Hangers Tags on the Floor Clothing with Make-up Stains Back Fat Wadded Tissues Empty Drink Cups Wet Patches Surgical Scars Mirror Streaks and Naked Anything! If you must show me anything in the fitting room, show me you want to buy 80% of what you took in to try on instead of the 20% you came... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 7:53 PM | add or view comments (2) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Getting Personal in Retail

It's not very often in my retail profession that I get warm and fuzzy. I mean who gets sentimental after numerous (and I'm talkin' BIG numbers of) trips to the fitting room clearing out piles and stacks of clothing! Believe me, there are days this could've made me cry, but today was more about the... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 11:28 PM | add or view comments (1) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

Friday, January 2, 2009

Think Outside the Box for After-Christmas Returns

I haven't blogged in a while. Perhaps it's because I've been buried under everyone's empty gift boxes. It seems that after the holidays people can't wait to rush into stores to return the clothes they wouldn't be caught dead in. As retail goes, I understand and get that. What I don't get is the... Sign in to see full entry.

posted by Retail_Realist at 6:57 PM | add or view comments (2) | leave calling card | link to this | view only this entry

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The World of Retail... Where customers kick and scream... Where employees laugh and point fingers... Where everyone justs wants a sale and a discount... This is my world. Feel for me.

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