We all know how hectic the holiday shopping season can be. Most customers take for granted all the work that must be done in order to give us a good shopping experience. Many employees work very hard, sometimes in tedious jobs, just to make the store or products look presentable to their customers. It is not always an easy task, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.
I recently went shopping with my wife and was amazed at what I saw throughout this particular store. It was absolutely a mess! Clothes were scattered everywhere, in piles on the floor and draped over displays with no regard to its placement. I was shocked to see it. How did this happen? Was the store overwhelmed with customers? Was there a shortage of staff? Probably a combination of both.
While navigating my way around the mess I came across a employee who was trying her best to pick up, fold or place the items back on hangers to where they belong. I asked her how she was doing and that I felt bad about her having to take on this huge task. She smiled and thanked me for being thoughtful. The clerk said she had been doing this all day and I was the only person who acknowledged her efforts. I felt so sorry for her but appreciated her remarkable positive attitude to get the job done. Even if it seemed insurmountable.
As crazy as it may seem, I couldn’t help but try to do my part to clean up or at least remove some of the clothes off the floor. I even placed my wife’s items back where we found them on the rack after she tried them on. Are customers that inconsiderate in not placing items back correctly? Do they think throwing items on the floor is acceptable? Even the fitting rooms had signs asking customers to just place the unwanted items on a rack and they will happily put them away for you. Obviously a futile attempt to maintain some order.
Employees are certainly responsible and get paid to do a job. I hope their managers and supervisors provide them the opportunity to do their job by providing them with the right tools, support and appreciation when needed. Especially during this busy shopping season where at times it can be demoralizing. The clerk certainly appreciated my sincere comments. Make sure as a customer, we take the time to provide our appreciation for their efforts. A simple thank you or acknowledgement of their efforts can go a long way. If we treat others like we would like to be treated perhaps we can all contribute to the customer experience and help make it magical! I know I will do my part. Have a happy and prosperous holiday shopping season!