This Is The Pre-Black Friday THANK YOU Thread For Everyone Out There Working Retail

[KittyWampus]

It ain't easy, but someone has to do it. :patriot:

I've been working in retail/serving the public all my life. Since childhood. The stories my family can and do tell!

IMO, every American should be required to work 6 months of retail. During a holiday season. Just so they can find out how hard it can be serving people.

Here's a quick story- When I worked at a plant nursery we did Christmas with trees and decorations etc. Well, if someone bought a cut tree we had to wrap it up in string and put in on the roof and tie it down. ANY time a guy working put a tree on someone's car they'd get a monetary tip of some sort. When ever I or any of the other gals did it we never did. What is up with that? :crazy:

Here's to Retail Workers everywhere! :toast:

[Skittles]

1. a few kind words to a retail clerk does wonders

they seem very grateful :D

[Taverner]

2. Surprisingly, I agree with you

About the "everyone should do 6 hrs of retail" thingy

[bain_sidhe]

4. MONTHS. Six MONTHS

Anybody can do six hours. It's having to come back day after day to the same sh*t that can destroy your faith in people.

I've worked retail - put myself through my last two years of college with a retail job - which gave me a powerful incentive to finish college, so I "wouldn't have to work retail ever again." Would that it were so. Fell on hard times twice after that, and yup, worked retail to keep body and soul together.

My sister still works retail (she's in management now, but everybody does time on the floor during the holidays). Next time you're in a store, give a big smile to the clerk and thank him/her for the usually-thankless job they do.

[Warpy]

6. I've worked wait staff and I've worked retail

and both jobs offer all the shit you can eat from every direction.

I'm always nice to them and I tip well.

I think everybody should have to learn the hard way just how hard those jobs are.

[tavalon]

14. I completely agree

Eons ago, I waitressed and I worked at Walgreens. I guess neither of those destroyed my faith in humanity because I went to college and became a nurse. I worked for 17 years in labor and delivery (that's waiting on people who are hurting) and now I take care of premies, but the bigger job is taking care of their parents. At least these days, when my customers act like dicks, I can understand why they might do it.

[LisaM]

3. I worked in a bookstore for a number of years

I always liked the holidays. But yes, everyone should work retail. In my opinion, they should work in a returns department after Christmas.

[msongs]

5. this Friday = buy nothing day. relax, chat with friends n family. stay home if you can nt

[tavalon]

15. I love buy nothing day!

I love it so much that I kind of extend it to a month. Not quite, because I need food and my son, who is autistic, wouldn't understand or agree with no gifts at Christmas so I shop for both, but the gifts I buy online and this year, thanks to AmazonFresh.com, I don't have to step a foot into a store until the new year. I'm thrilled. Sorry if I sound like an advertisement but I lurvs me my AmazonFresh!

[JNelson6563]

7. I'll be working

I manage a fabulous chocolate shop in our downtown. The morning will be quiet for us, busy at the malls/big box stores. Noon on will be busy for us. It may snow here on Friday which would bring lots of people downtown (first snow of season, quaint downtown on the water). While many kinds chocolate goodies will be bought it's the hot chocolate and warm, chocolate-y cookies that will really be flying out of there.

I know it will get obnoxious at times but I am one of the fortunate ones to not be working the grind at some soul-less box of store at a mall. Still, even in our little utopia people can get a little pissy once in a while. No place is completely safe from such customers, of course.

My heart goes out to those who will run their butts off helping others get what they need/want to enjoy the holiday. I hope all who read this thread will make an effort ot be kind to those who serve them.

Julie

[KittyWampus]

8. Ohhhh, chocolate.

I want your job :)

[flvegan]

9. Off to The Greatest with you!

[dana_b]

10. How right you are!

It is a tough job and I feel for those folks who get up extra early Friday morning.

[myrna minx]

11. I worked in retail for a few years and I know how challenging it can be.

A :toast: to all of the retail workers out there.

[GMA]

12. We have a daughter who manages a retail store,

and a daughter who waits tables. I'm patient with retailers, especially during the Holidays, and I tip high, as I always hope others will do with my girls.

[tavalon]

13. I'm going to do them the kindest favor of all

I do it each year. I stay the fuck home. They have enough yahoos to deal with on that awful day.

[KittyWampus]

16. kick for the people behind the counters!