10 Things I Learned from Working Retail

Working retail is a rite of passage specially if you’re a fashion lover like me. However, it can get frustrating. Here are Ten Things I Learned from Working Retail 

1. Patience 

Customers don’t have any, meaning you have to make it up for the two of you. Take a deep breath, they have to be gone by closing time anyway.

2.  Be the most fake person ever

Have a cheery voice and your manager will be so impressed that you could get that promotion. Fake it till you make it.

3. How to memorize a script

“Hi! How are you? Did you find everything okay? Wonderful! OMG I love this top! Will that be debit or credit? Okay, please swipe your card. No the other way. No ma’am, the OTHER way. Thank you have a good one!” Repeat until the end of your shift.

4. How to fold clothes like a pro… because you are one 

Your closet would be super organized if you weren’t working so much. 

5. You could work at the most prestegious store in the world, customers will still make a mess. 

6. Time is money

Got there late? Guess who’s not getting paid those 13 minutes. If it’s busy and you’re being slow, closing will stink for everyone. If it’s slow and you’re not doing anything, your managers will send you to the back to restock. Time is everything, use it wisely.

7. How to have thick skin

Seriously, customers and managers will try to get under your skin just because you have to be nice. It’s not your fault that there’s no more dresses in the back or that your co-worker is being incompetent. Whose fault is it that the line is backed up, you or the customer that brought 50 returns? It’s okay honey, brush it off.

8. Mutual hatred brings people together 

Team building exercises should include an hour long venting session on how you hate the new system, or how customers can be the worst. 

9. How to look presentable in less than 10 minutes 

8 a.m.’s are nothing compared to the morning shift, so you always end up looking cute or else you’ll be sent to the back for the rest of the day. 

10. Just because you work long hours doesn’t mean you can’t go out after your shift

Keep a change of clothes in your car and go have fun! You deserve it.

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