Public Service Announcement

Keeping in mind the theme of this blog, I would like to address all the people out there who are still shopping:

Fellow shopaholics - there are many things you need with you when you shop: your wallet, Hello Kitty debit & credit cards, ID, cellphone to get online coupons & cross check purchases with friends, coupon-folio if you are that type of shopper, and your reusable, eco-friendly shopping bags. There is one important thing you do not need when you are shopping: a bad attitude.

Speaking as both a retail employee and as someone who gets uncomfortable when I witness a store employee being ripped a new you-know-what, I beg you all to leave the holier-than-thou mindset, along with the list of your demands, at home. Imagine that you are the employee of whatever store you happen to be in - do you want people invading your personal space, demanding things beyond your control, and taking out their anger over a bad hair day on you? Of course not.

Shopping is a fun hobby/sport/addiction, and the thrill of the purchase is only magnified when shared among friends (or customers & employees in this case). Don't dishonor the process by metaphorically crapping all over anyone that tries to help you get what you want.

Of course, you will come across a store associate that makes you wonder if evolution really is a myth, but you encounter those people in all facets of your life and I'm pretty sure you don't point your finger in each one of their faces and tell them what to do with their measly 10% coupon. Just because people have less money overall does not make you the queen of shopping simply because you decided to go into a store. What happened to the good old days when you used proper manners with anyone you met? When being polite was not optional, and those people that weren't polite were the ones who stuck out like a sore thumb? Isn't it sad that while I am working, if I say hi to a customer they look over their shoulder to see who I'm saying hi to? Why can't we be friendly?

This isn't a rant, because there are still some gems out there that make associates' jobs easier, who respect the art of shopping and are so happy (like me) while shopping that really nothing but a store without a single thing on sale could get them down. This is a request for each of you to think twice before you call the teller stupid, roll your eyes at the cashier, or stomp your foot at the manager. Misery loves company, but smiles are contagious. It's your call.

Happy shopping!