With less than 36 hours until the big day, I am looking forward to it all coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas...watching the kids as they tear open presents, enjoying a day of family and food and remembering the reason for the season...that's all good.
What I am anxiously waiting to end is the Christmas shopping season. I have worked retail during the holidays in the past, but working it more regularly this year has me counting down the hours until that moment the stores finally lock their doors and close up for Christmas day.
Most customers have been pleasant, sharing their stories and wishing me a "Merry Christmas" as they grab their bags full of presents and head home. But it's the other few that I am not going to miss.
The Cheapster:
-customer: "I need gift boxes please."
-me: "I am so sorry, we are out of boxes."
-customer: "Really?" (then a big, breathy sigh and rolling of the eyes)
Hey, how many retail stores offer boxes anymore in the first place, and what did you expect waiting until December 22 to do your shoppping. And I made the mistake of politely suggesting the Dollar Tree (just down the walkway from our store) to buy boxes. I got everything from smirky looks of disbelief (yep, I'm lying) to comments such as "I really didn't want to have to pay for them." Yes, someone really said that.
Hey, I am all for saving money, but come on.
Impatient Line Waiter:
Since Black Friday, the lines have been long at times. But "people watching" during this time of year can be quite interesting. You can definitely tell the difference between those who expected crowds of shoppers and those who think they are "above" having to wait their turn.
The next customer in line walks up to my counter and sheepishly places her shopping bag in front of me and says, "I am so sorry, but I have a ton of glass ornaments." I appreciate her humbleness and offer a comforting reply, "No problem, glad you found what you were looking for." (FYI, there were about 100 ornaments!) Of course, you know that this customer is going to take a while to check out, since every ornament has to be scanned and then individually wrapped in paper and packaged carefully. I don't mind, I would expect the same service. But unfortunately, the customer behind her was not appreicative of this woman who is obviously trimming her entire tree with new ornaments. She proceeded to huff a big sigh (heard by many around her) and stommped off to another line, like a little kid not getting her way.
The "Reluctant Gifters":
Even considering the current economy, most people will gladly buy a gift for family and friends. In fact, one customer bought about 20 small gifts for her co-workers...candles, ornaments, gloves....I was impressed with her generosity.
But you can tell the ones who wished the tradition of gift giving never started.
The first clue: the item is haphazardly placed, sometimes literally thrown on the counter. Then as I neatly, yet quickly fold a clothing item I am told, "don't worry about it, just put it in the bag." Are they in a hurry (this places them in the previous category) or are they that disgruntled about having to shop for someone else?
Clue #2 (goes hand-in-hand with Clue #1): They will usually ask for boxes and be annoyed when I tell them we don't have any. This means they have to take more time and spend more money to go buy boxes at another store.....ooooh dear, the horror.
Clue #3: No small talk or even eye contact. They obviously don't want to be shopping and are not going to try in any way, shape or form to make it pleasant. They usually leave with a half-hearted "Thank You" or "Goodbye".
Ok, enough of the customer bashing. I am sure I could write about many other experiences I have had recently, but I don't want to dwell on the negative. In fact, my goal in writing this was to add some humor and lightness to the holiday shopping season...at least for me anyway.
As I prepare to go to work for my last day before Christmas, I am actually hoping that there will be plenty of last minute shoppers to make my shift "dash away, dash away, dash away all!"
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year to Everyone !!!!
