My eldest child, Jake, and I decided to brave the chaos of Black Friday shopping because, let’s face it, we thrive on the mayhem and the occasional foot stomp from other shoppers. Jake had his heart set on a speaker he’d saved up for, and when he discovered it was on sale for $50 off, the urgency in his voice suggested that missing out would be a disaster of epic proportions. As the cool mom I am, I said, “Absolutely, let’s go!” So, off we went.
For the most part, the atmosphere was festive; people were exchanging smiles, and I even spotted a few folks sporting reindeer antlers. I was in the holiday spirit—until we reached the checkout line. Suddenly, the man in front of us transformed from a charming adult into a total jerk when his mixer didn’t ring up at the sale price. Not just any jerk, but a certified mansplaining jerk who thought slamming his keys on the counter would expedite the process. He was clearly a busy guy who expected the cashier to override the price immediately—no questions asked.
I truly believe that if you’re rude to someone in retail over something beyond their control, you’re just a plain old jerk in real life. The cashier remained calm and quickly signaled for a manager to assist her; her professionalism made me wonder if retail training includes sessions on how to handle the frustrations of entitled customers. I shot a disapproving glare at the man, which didn’t faze him but sure made me feel better.
When the manager arrived, the issue was resolved in less than two minutes, but the man continued to display his displeasure with the universe. The cashier deserved a heartfelt “thank you” for her quick resolution despite his childish outburst, but of course, she received nothing but his disdain.
Perhaps he could have communicated his urgency without being a total jerk. After all, retail workers can’t conjure miracles on demand. It’s as if he suddenly felt she didn’t warrant any respect because she was behind the counter. Maybe he was uncomfortable in his pants from too much turkey, or perhaps he was just grumpy. Who knows? What matters is that his frustration shouldn’t have been directed at a worker trying to make a living.
As I approached the counter, I struck up a light conversation with the cashier. “How long have you been here?” I asked. “My shift just started,” she replied. “I have three little ones at home, and I won’t see them tonight, so I’m feeling a bit of mom guilt.” So while she’s on her feet for ten hours, missing out on tucking in her kids, there are people like that man who decide to treat her like she’s less than human simply because they can.
Retail workers work incredibly hard and face a lot of nonsense. This time of year, stores resemble a tornado hit after a sugar-fueled frenzy, yet it’s the adults causing the chaos. And guess what? Our kids are watching.
If you change your mind about something you’ve picked up, please take a moment to return it to its proper place. Leaving a shirt in the cereal aisle or a pair of shoes in the toy section is just rude. I once heard someone dismissively call it “job security” for retail workers, and I wanted to ram my cart into his ankles. Yes, retail employees are there to help you, but they shouldn’t be expected to clean up after you like it’s their job to babysit your mess.
If you’re shopping and decide to sift through a sweater display, do so without destroying the entire setup. Someone will need to spend time folding those sweaters back up. The same hardworking individuals who help you try on clothes and even dispose of your kids’ sticky cups don’t deserve to be treated like obstacles in your shopping spree.
With the holidays upon us, let’s remember: you can still grab what you want without being a jerk. Yes, you’re busy, but so are they. If you can’t handle the hustle and bustle of a store without being rude, maybe it’s best to shop online from the comfort of your couch. Amazon Prime exists for those who can’t keep their cool in public.
If you can keep your composure while shopping this season, please take a moment to smile at and appreciate the retail workers. A little kindness goes a long way, and they deserve all the good vibes to counteract the holiday jerks.
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Summary
This holiday season, let’s remember to treat retail workers with respect and kindness. They’re doing their best to make our shopping experiences pleasant while juggling their own challenges. A little appreciation can go a long way, so let’s keep the holiday spirit alive by being considerate to those serving us.