So, the holidays are (technically) over by now. It’s December 26, the day after Christmas, and retail was booming all day. I wrote an earlier post (way long time ago, click here) about how to act in public. Consider this post a follow-up, social behavior training for the masses.
Step 1: Approaching Employees
When you enter a retail store, you are typically “browsing” or “need help.” Should you fall into the latter category, clearly you need to speak with an employee. They can generally be identified by say, bright red shirts and name tags. Should you need clarification, a quick, “Excuse me, you work here, right?” works nicely.
Now, on days such as December 26th, when the entire city of Fairfax is shopping at Fair Oaks Mall, stores may be very crowded. Do not fear! The stores have prepared and have numerous employees working at any time. As you enter the store and your eyes begin to glaze over in anticipation of shiny products with fruit-shaped logos on them, remember how to properly approach another human being.
For starters, find an employee who is not already in deep conversation with another customer. Should you not see any, look around the store for a central meeting place, such as a table that is roped off, with a few employees helping people who are in a line. Should there be a line, take your place and wait your turn. It is considered rude to interrupt a conversation for your own benefit.
Step 2: Getting What You Want
Begin your exchange of words with a “Hello” or “Excuse me.” The employee will acknowledge your presence and should respond with something resembling a “how may I help you?” remark. At this point, you should carry on, informing him or her of your reason for taking up square footage and patronizing such a classy establishment. They will then help you, and you will receive the product or service you desire!
Improper ways to approach an employee and begin conversation are below. These all happened today.
A quick reminder, too! Many employees are living, breathing beings who care (or pretend, at least) about your day and experience in their store. Should they initially ask “How are you?” when they say hello, a proper response includes words such as “Great” or “Horrendous.” It does not include the words “iTouch Eight Megabyte.” That part comes next.
Step Three: Leaving
When you receive your change, bag, and receipt, the employee will typically thank you and send well-wishes as you exit the store. It is always nice to return their “have a nice day” with a “you too” to show that you care, or at least pretend.
Hopefully these tips on how to present oneself in public have helped you, the consumer, act more like a human when you leave the house. Please attempt to follow such guidelines. Your fellow shoppers and retail employees will thank you.
Now I know exactly what to do next time I’m shopping at a retail store!