I used to work retail, so I know how it feels to be on the receiving line. I usually just ignored most unpleasant behavior because I knew it wasn’t personal and most people are really not in their bodies while shopping. It’s a task, so their minds are elsewhere.

But there were times I did get annoyed with some of the excessively rude people.

Now, there ARE cashiers that are just plain rude or incompetent regardless of how pleasant the customer is. So in some cases, they are just getting back what they give to the customer.

In some cases, customers have had so many experiences with these types, they are defensive before getting in line.

I, however, am always polite. I think it is all that retail training that I am always nice to people as if I were working there. I’ve been with my mom shopping where the cashier will ask how she is or say thanks, have a nice day, merry christmas or whatever and she doesn’t respond. It’s usually because she is in lala land thinking about something else. I respond for her and then tell her later how rude she is.

This time of year, I feel for the retail people. They get stepped on. When I find one in a really good mood or exceptionally pleasant, I am extra nice to them.

I guess being a mystery shopper also helps in this too.

~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/