...converting a shopaholic into an entrepreneur...

Thursday, June 2, 2011

A Curious Customer



<--Some of my Festivity family during the busy holidays!

While I have been a bad-blogger, I have been working diligently at my full time job in retail at Festivity. Since I have mostly blogged about Duet, I thought I would catch everyone up on some funny happenings during the store hours of 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. (most nights*)

I have worked in retail since I was 15 years old, so it's hard to imagine what could surprise me now. I am just lucky to come into contact with some very very special** people in this world. I have compiled a list of questions that I get CONSTANTLY at work and formed a brief description:

1. What grade are you in?
?! I am 23 years old. But I have formed the graceful answer of "Everyone tells me I look young, and I think that will be a nice compliment once I turn 30."

2. Did you know the fitting rooms were locked?
Nope, we just carry these keys on our arms so you know who works here. Please, crawl under the door or continue yelling at me about this terrible "inconvenience" but as soon as you get in there, feel free to stuff tops into your fake Gucci bag.

3. Do you have a tip jar? (said by 16 yr old girl wearing her new dress out of the store)
This is a new one. and no, seeing as I did not refill your drink, load your groceries, or scoop your icecream we do not have a tip jar. I should start saying yes, but only if you put it in my bra strap.

4. Are you hiring?
my response "Didn't we catch you and your friends stealing in here several months ago?!"

5. Is this a clothing store or a home goods store?
Have you ever been to Anthroplogie, or really ANY department store ever? If we would have to choose one or the other I would say neither and claim our store as an amusement park.

6. Do you have a restroom?
No, we don't have a public restroom. ( disappointed/ridiculous face) Would you ask to go use the restroom in Michael Kors? And once the rep told you no, would you tell her you were about to "wet yourself" Come on.

7. I left all my clothes in the fitting room, that's okay right?
This means you left everything on the floor or inside out on the wrong hangers. But thats okay, one day I will take a picture of the mess you leave and send it to your entire tennis team. Wealthy women are the WORST about this.

*We are open from 10-7 M-W and TR-S 10-8. Our customers can't seem to get over this one hour time difference and go crazy. Every week.

**By special I mean people that have purposefully chosen to step out of normal social boundaries and act like a fool.


Chelsea and I working late nights to get product out.

Recently, we had a mother and daughter come in with a shirt to exchange. She explained to me that the shirt was a gift (therefore no receipt), but it was damaged by a pen mark. As soon as she pulled it out of the bag, I remembered the garment. We noticed the tiny damaged spot and put the item on mark down. I had to be the barer of bad news and tell them their friend bought not only a top on sale, but a top that was damaged. The item was a final sale, so we could not take it back. The mother stared at me blankly and said "But this was a gift, and we can't take it back to them, what are we supposed to do with it?!?" After some verbal wrestling and manipulation she convinced us to let her exchange it. Whatever, who cares. It was her attitude that bugged me the most. I have received PLENTY of terrible, ugly, or broken gifts. I put them in the back of my closet and go on my merry way. It was not our stores responsibility to replace a bad gift. I had to remind her that she had not LOST any money in the deal. and all we gained was two hours of helping her daughter find something out of our "tiny" selection. Whoever marries her daughter is really in for it.



<--A little yoga behind the counter




In other news, I have a brand new nephew, Walker Davis Smith! He came one week early and we are so glad for it. He is truly a blessing from the Lord.