I am never more angry shopping than when I walk into a store and not one person acknowledges you. The other week I went in search of a pair of jeans. This in itself was a depressing feat but off I went to inflict torture on myself. My goal was to search high and low and I didn't care how much they cost as long as they looked good. So off I went to a local shopping district where the stores are lined up and ready to hit. I went into three well known brand stores (Mexx, Calvin and Tommy) and out of these three stores I did not get greeted by one person. Not a nod, smile or even a simple "Hi".
I am not asking to be greeted like Blockbuster where you make a game of dodging the staff nor do I want to be hovered over like a furniture salesperson; but a simple acknowledgment would do. I must admit that this lack of customer service is becoming a trend. You would think that in a declining market stores would be pushing customer service to try to gain loyalty but I guess I am off this mark. Mind you, each of these stores I walked into had young ladies (I use this term loosely) behind the counter who seemed more interested in talking with each other about last nights events...and one of the stores the sales person was more interested in her book.
I would like to blame all of this on the X-generation but it is not so. I have gone into high end stores with older salesperson and until I literally dropped my purse and tried something on in the middle of the store (It was a blazer people I am not committing indecent exposure) before the salesperson moved away from the steam machine to acknowledge me. Once I even had a $300 dress in my hand and had to go search for a salesperson to let me into the dressing room. When I discovered I was the only person on the floor and the salesperson had abandoned me for her friend downstairs I put the dress back and went to another store who was more than willing to help me.
This has made a difference in my shopping habits as well. If I am looking for something specific I will go to particular stores I know do well with customer service(Laura, Tweed and Hickory and Samuel & Co.) and if not then I go some place where I can wander the aisle to browse without being bothered but can easily find a staff member to help and there is always someone stationed at the dressing room. ( I love Winners). Occasionally I have ventured to other stores as mentioned above and been sadly disappointed.
Retail is not the only place I have noticed the disappearing trend as I have been to some restaurants where I have waited for 20mins to get my drink order.
Now I also must let you know that I have been on the other side of this as well. I once worked in a retail store where we were to offer our name and assistance within the first three minutes and never let a customer carry anything, offer to put it in the dressing room. (I still shop at this store and the rule has not changed) BUT once I did forget a client in the dressing room until she came out and bought something.
I have also worked in a restaurant where I openly admit I was a horrible waitress and apologize to anyone who was ever my customer. I was always surprised when they left a tip as I was that bad. One time I waited on a couple who only had an appetizer and left me a $10 tip. I thought they had left the $10 there accidentally (again horrible waitress) so I caught up to them to give it back (I may have been horrible but I was honest) and she told me that she is used to people treating them differently as her husband was deaf and his speaking voice is not always clear so she was very pleased that I didn't treat him or her any differently. What I didn't tell you is that I didn't even notice he was deaf!
So while many of us have off days and not always on our game I believe we should lobby for the return of customer service. Then maybe I would pay $100 for a pair of jeans where the sales assistant makes a commission off of me and provides assistance instead of ignoring me. Soap box closed!
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