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Seasonal Position Closing?

19610165_sAs many of you know, I decided to go move forward with being a seasonal employee! Well, the seasonal time is coming to a close soon. At least, that is what I was told in the beginning of my employment.

What I learned during my time (almost 6 complete weeks)…

  • The holiday season is definitely different on the “other” side. Being a shopper for many years, I never gave it much thought what it was like being in retail. I know have a different view when I go shopping now. The stories that I got share…
  • Working directly with the public during a stressful time of the year is interesting. We all know that people are different. Shoppers fit into five categories –  I can say that I interacted with probably each different type.
    • The Bargain Shoppers: Those folks that are looking for the “deal” on their purchases. Coupons, on-line ads and even asking if I got lower the price some. Whatever it takes to get the lowest price in town. I am all for getting a deal! Asking the sales associate to lower a price or figure out how to lower the price – well to me that is going too far. The lowly sales associate does not have the power to make that happen.
    • The Researcher: Those folks gather up everything that they want to compare and sit down with their smartphones and do their homework. I had a number of them ask me for the information on particular clubs, prices and so on… Then they would sit down in our area and thumb through their phone for over an hour.
    • The Impulse Buyer: Comes in and buys whatever they want. Price is not even a consideration, until you wake up the next day and realize what you did. I watched a couple of returns come back from those folks.
    • The Negotiator:  No price is firm, everything is up for negotiation! I ran into many of these folks! Asking the sales associate to lower a price or figure out how to lower the price – well to me that is going too far. The lowly sales associate does not have the power to make that happen.
    • The “man-on-a-mission”: Those folks that know what they want. What it fast! They are attempting to set a record on how quick they can make that purchase.
  • Retail is not for everyone. This is a tough job during the holidays. I was pretty busy for much of the time that I was working. I was on my feet for those 6 to 8 hour shifts all the time. When my shift ended, my feet let me know how hard the day was. There is always something to do within the retail setting. You have to restock, straighten up, fold clothes, refold clothes, clean up and fold more clothes – besides working with the customers.
  • Keeping an eye on the stores merchandise from being stolen.

I am not sure how much longer my seasonal position will continue, but I have to think it will end soon. Maybe after inventory is completed. An experience that I am glad that I did.

Image via – Copyright: gayane1966 / 123RF Stock Photo

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