The holiday season is in full swing. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or another holiday, shopping is most likely on your mind. Shopping malls and stores are bustling, and most people are running around trying to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Retail workers during the holiday season have to deal with all the customers and handle the rush. As a customer, I wanted to better understand what it is like being a retail worker during the holidays. I decided to interview a retail worker, Maddie Sallet, to learn more about what working in retail during the holidays is like.
Her Campus: Hi, thank you for speaking with me. Where do you work? How long have you been working there?
Maddie Sallet: I work at Banner’s Hallmark at Westfield Annapolis Mall. I have been working there since November 2019.
HC: What made you decide to work at Hallmark?
MS: I was looking for a job that could match my personality. I like that Hallmark is a quieter environment than most retail stores and that my managers were flexible with my academic schedule and were supportive. I also appreciated that there were opportunities for growth within the store.
HC: What are your responsibilities as a Hallmark employee?
MS: As a key holder, I am responsible for closing the store, which includes counting the registers and locking up. During store hours, I help customers find what they are looking for, check them out and put together displays featuring seasonal products.
HC: How do you feel about the holiday season?
MS: I love the holiday season in general. I like the excitement and positivity that fills the air. The holidays also allow me to show appreciation for my friends and family through gifts. Related to Hallmark, I really enjoy seeing all the holiday decorations and products we sell. During the holidays, Hallmark has a jolly ambiance.
HC: What is your favorite part about working during the holiday season?
MS: I like that, for the most part, customers are nicer and kinder during the holidays. It is special when they tell me happy holidays, because it makes me feel connected to the customers, since we are all getting to experience the same season together. The employee discount is also a big plus during the holiday season, since I can buy fancy holiday cards for my family and friends.
HC: What are the biggest struggles about working during the holiday season?
MS: There are definitely struggles that come with the holidays. The worst struggle I would say there is, is how impatient and anxious customers get when they are shopping for gifts. I understand that finding the perfect card or the right gift can be stressful, but sometimes it is hard to keep a smile on my face while people are being rude. Another struggle is that the store gets very busy, and since we are a smaller store, it is difficult to keep up with the lines that accumulate at the registers.
HC: Do customers act differently during the holidays?
MS: Yes, they do. They can act differently either in a better way or a worse way. Some customers are more understanding and thankful during the holidays, and they try to show us that they are grateful for us. While other customers, like I said previously, tend to act entitled and impolite. In the end, it is my job to be helpful and polite to every customer no matter how they are acting.
HC: What tips do you have for other retail workers when they are working during the holidays?
MS: My biggest tip is to keep your cool and remember that, at the end of the day, you get to go home with a paycheck and know that you were productive. Also remember that customers are not purposefully trying to treat you negatively, so do not take it personally at all! My last tip is to move on when you have a bad experience. For every bad customer, there are at least 5 good ones.
HC: What is your biggest piece of advice for customers when they are out shopping for gifts?
MS: I can not stress this enough, remember that retail workers are people too. They are there to help you and only want for you to have a positive experience in the store and find what you are looking for. If you are having a hard time, ask for help – politely. Another piece of advice is to go in the store having a general idea of what you want. The employees want to help you, but if you do not have some sort of baseline direction, it can be difficult for the employees. Lastly, be patient. Do not let the stress of shopping during the holidays ruin your day and the merriness that the holidays are meant to bring.
HC: Is there anything else our readers should know about related to shopping this time of year?
MS: Embrace the spirit of the holidays! The holidays are meant to be a time that you get to spend with your family and show people you love how much they mean to you. Gifts are great, but in the end, it is the thought that counts.
HC: Thank you so much, Maddie, for giving us your insight about shopping during this season from the perspective of a retail worker!
MS: No problem at all! Happy Holidays to everyone!
When going out shopping, remember to always be kind and patient and that retail workers are there to help you, not make shopping more stressful.