#ThankARetailWorker

On nights I can't sleep, I write blog posts. Mainly to clear my head so I can sleep, and mainly because I love being able to refer back to the random thoughts or experiences I've had, that maybe others can relate to. Today happened to be one such experience.

As I mentioned in my last post, I work retail. It's almost kind of a thankless job that is kind of underappreciated. Especially today in our commercialistic society. I just made that a word. You're welcome. Of course, there are all different kinds of retail, and I'm sure that each individual retail "entity" could spend forever talking about their different protocols and set of rules that needs to be followed, but that isn't what I wanted to talk about.

Out of all the jobs I've had, retail has been the most straining, most mentally challenging, and equally the most frustrating. I spend many days, and sometimes nights wondering why in the world I chose to apply for a retail position. I question why I chose to do something that would require me to be away from my family on holidays, that would take me away from a social life at night, unable to meet any new people except for the occasional new coworker, or even just spend a night in, to myself, to be able to think, breathe, and take a break from the world. Why would I do that to myself, when "there had to have been something else out there for me?"

I work retail, because I love my job. I love the customers satisfied faces when they get a good deal on their favorite scents. I love the interactions I get with perfect strangers. I love the challenge of helping my store reach our sales goals. I love creating a masterpiece, so to speak, and watching all of the associates work together, and use their own aesthetic skills to complete something that no one else would have thought would take hours upon hours of work. I love the satisfied collection of sighs that come from the employees at the end of a floor set, complete with high fives and compliments.

Retail has helped me in so many ways. I've learned to problem solve, to ask questions when I need help, instead of just assuming my way is right, to step out of my comfort zone, and to be polite. Customer service is huge in an industry that claims to be in the top of the entire world for their sales, and performance. One wrong move can get one person fired, or put an entire store or district in jeopardy. Someone else is always watching. I have learned to accept every negative interaction as just another learning experience, and a chance for me to grow and learn more, and "do better next time." Sacrifice becomes something deeper than yourself.For me, it became a part of my personality. I learn how important it was to put others and their needs and desires above my own. I continue to learn how to keep positive relationships with my co-workers, even when days are frustrating, or I feel like I am unable to relate to them.

Not every day, or every hour of work has been perfect. I am not always smiling at every second. I am not always the most friendly or sincere person. I struggle talking to strangers politely. I cringe at the fear of not being able to help someone in their shopping experience.Which often leads me back to the question, "Why do you work retail."

I work retail because it's a chance for me to learn something new. I work retail to challenge myself, my abilities, and to put a smile on someone's face. I work retail because I enjoy the fastpaced environment, the buzz of activity, and to have something to do or work towards. I work retail to understand what it will be like to work in a fast-paced career field, full of complete strangers, that I will have the opportunity to interact with. I work retail to satisfy another's needs above my own. I work retail because it's something I enjoy, and know that I can do well at, with the right amount of effort.

While at work on Saturday, I had a really crummy start to my shift. We were really busy, because of our sale going on that day, and I just found that I wasn't feeling good, and wasn't in the best of moods. Eventually my manager asked me to move from cashier to the sales floor for the rest of my shift. I calmly agreed, and tried to do my best to help customers. Eventually, I approached a gentleman in the store who kind of looked like he might have been looking for help. He made eye contact me, and asked, "Do I look like a shopper? I'm just in here to follow my wife around." We chuckled for a minute and I said, "Just doing my job!" He caught me off guard and before I could turn to walk away, he gave me a pat on the back telling me,"You're doing a heck of a job with your customer service." I literally almost burst into a puddle of happy tears. I've said this before, but the little things people do or say to retail workers really do end up being the biggest things that we remember at the end of the day.

As the holiday season gets closer, I just want to challenge everyone reading this to personally thank a retail worker. We are doing our best to ensure that you get the best customer service we can provide, and we want you to walk away feeling satisfied with your service, products, and with a smile on your face. Help us keep a smile on our faces during our long work days, and give us something to remember at the end of the day when we finally get to "put our feet up." We would do the same thing for you, if you were a retail worker. Also, feel free to pass this hashtag along during the busy holiday season, and remember, please thank a retail worker!   #thankaretailworker