topic Re: Anyone work or worked retail? in Community Chat

Anyone work or worked retail?

traveler — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:49:01 GMT

And still enjoy Black Friday? I worked retail and as a waitress in my life and find no joy in the Black Friday sales. I really got to see the worst in people.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

Laura14 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:50:37 GMT

It's not just retail. Hospitality is just as bad. Not looking forward to Friday at all.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

SeaMaiden — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:52:57 GMT

@traveler I worked many a Christmas and Thanksgiving. I actually found most customers to be very nice and received tips even in jobs where no tip was expected. The day after Thanksgiving was busy , but , people were fine.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

sunshine45 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 15:53:28 GMT

i never really had a problem with black friday or the holiday season when i was in retail. increased sales and customers, yes, but no major worries or problems.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

CrazyDaisy — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:01:04 GMT

Have worked retail many holiday seasons, love going out on Black Friday if there is something I am looking for on sale.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

SilleeMee — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:04:13 GMT

Yes, I worked at a kiosk in a large mall here back in the '80s when Black Friday meant wall-to-wall shoppers. Mall mayhem!

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

morganjen — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:07:11 GMT

I worked in retail back in the '80s in a large mall department store. Made a ton of money on Black Friday because we worked commission (jewelry departartment).

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

wagirl — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:12:12 GMT

yep--worked for 20 years in retail--hated it especially at the party store that I was at for 12 years--horrible management and dreaded every day during Helloween on------quit in 2009---good riddence!!!

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

beckyb1012 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:13:13 GMT

I worked in retail back in the late 70's and 1980 when in school and due to working several Black Friday's I have never shopped on that day. The only thing I do on Black Friday is clean then go to the grocery store to restock my own shelves. Nobody is at the grocery store the day after Thanksgiving. What amazes me more than shoppers out shopping but how full all the restaurant parking lots are all day. With all those leftovers we still crave Mexican and Barbecue food at least here in Texas.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

Trinity11 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:21:25 GMT

Years ago I worked in Tiffany's in their flagship store. Friday was a big day for us. I loved every minute of it...

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

buckie from virginia — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:27:15 GMT

My Husband and I are self employed and work in retail we have been in business for 32 years.Dealing with the public is hard,

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

PhilaLady1 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:43:02 GMT

My first "real" job after babysitting, assistant camp counseler, mother's helper, etc. was in a grocery store. I was a cashier (check-out girl we called it back in the day) from when I was 17 to 22. Mid size store, about 8 check out lines. Holiday season - I loved it ! Yes, some people may have been grouchy, but I loved being busy. I thought it was fun and loved the hectic-ness and enjoyed being the fastest worker, "ringing up" the items, packing the paper bags (not plastic) . Those days items were not scanned and mostly all cash transactions. We entered the amounts in to the cash register and did the math in our heads for giving the change.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

godi — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 16:59:02 GMT

I worked retail at department stores for 18 years, believe me I seen it all. I always loved the excitement of Black Friday , the rush the crowds it was awesome. I still dig that vibe. 😂 I am glad I am not behind the counter now. If you think of it thank the person waiting on you and wish them a happy holiday. They are so under appreciated. What ever you celebrate at this time of year hope it’s wonderful for you.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

just bee — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:04:41 GMT

I graduated from college during a major economic downturn and ended up working in retail for a few years. Holidays were chaotic but the only one that bothered me was Mother's Day.

Based on my observations of shoppers, the comments they made and the gifts they chose, I never realized how many people hate their mothers.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

Carmie — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:38:11 GMT

I have worked in retail over the Xmas holidays only, part time and didn’t enjoy working on Black Friday. I was stuck in the store that I was working in and couldn’t go out and shop myself.

The customers were okay, but they sure made a mess of the merchandise by picking it up, unfolding it and throwing it back on the shelf of on the floor. I felt like I was cleaning up after toddlers.

now, I stay home and relax on Black Friday... I hope on line on cyber Monday instead.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

software — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:57:21 GMT

I worked retail and I still love the holidays. I don't know what it is about malls & shopping but I really get into it.

When I worked retail, I was a shameless sales clerk. No one walked by without buying something. That was back in the day when sales clerks actually sold products and were not just cashiers.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

deepwaterdotter — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 19:14:22 GMT

@PhilaLady1 wrote:
My first "real" job after babysitting, assistant camp counseler, mother's helper, etc. was in a grocery store. I was a cashier (check-out girl we called it back in the day) from when I was 17 to 22. Mid size store, about 8 check out lines. Holiday season - I loved it ! Yes, some people may have been grouchy, but I loved being busy. I thought it was fun and loved the hectic-ness and enjoyed being the fastest worker, "ringing up" the items, packing the paper bags (not plastic) . Those days items were not scanned and mostly all cash transactions. We entered the amounts in to the cash register and did the math in our heads for giving the change.

I share your memories of being a 'check-out girl' back in the 60's. It was a good way to consistently utilize my knowledge of mathematics.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

chickenbutt — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 19:55:26 GMT

I did work retail for a period, but it was over 40 years ago. I remember dreading it, but it was nowhere near as bad as it is now. After the store closed I remember that they let us stay if we wanted and do OUR shopping with the managers checking us out. That was very cool.

As for me enjoying BF, however, it would be a 'no'. I don't like crowds and besides, I really don't like shopping anyway (I know, I need to turn in my 'girl card'). You couldn't pay me enough to put myself there.

I certainly don't begrudge it others, however. Have fun. It's just not for me.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

drizzellla — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:08:14 GMT

I worked retail for 6 years. It was fun at times and brutal at other times. Did not enjoy Black Friday at all. People were a mess. We were in a mall. And as we tried to open the gate to the store we (store employees) were knocked to the ground from people pushing.

The store was a wreck after they rushed in. It was really a sad sight to watch. What people would do.

I loved the people I worked with and enjoyed working for Disney but could not believe how people would treat other people. Could never work retail again and haven't been in a mall in many years.

Re: Anyone work or worked retail?

mac116 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:57:49 GMT

I worked part time at a department store jewelry department (as well as taught school all day) for awhile when my husband was unemployed, and afterward. I tended to like it busy, and only had a few clunker customers during that time. However, my feet have never recovered from standing about 12 hours a day.