Community Chat

[buckie from virginia]

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,

[PhilaLady1]

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.

[godi]

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. 

[just bee]

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.

[Carmie]

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.

[software]

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.

[deepwaterdotter]

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@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.

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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.

[chickenbutt]

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. 

[drizzellla]

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.

[mac116]

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.