 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Surviving the Holidays in Retail By Heather Watt  |
| |
 Black Friday is as horrifying for retail workers as it is for shoppers. You never know what crazy people you may encounter and what customers will do to get that last hot item. Here are some tips to survive the holidays in retail - after all, you're not getting paid any more to run around twice as much!
Preserving your sanity
- Get your own shopping done early, that way you won't be jealous of those customers who are done before Thanksgiving or rushing in and out of stores on your breaks.
- Always wear comfortable shoes with good tread. Not only does this save your back and legs, but it can prevent a fatal trip over the merchandise.
- Take your breaks! You deserve them - even if they are 10 minutes, you need this time to rest and clear your mind. At this time you should avoid the sales floor - relax in a quiet, uncrowded place.
- Wash your hands. You don't want to be bogged down by sickness or sneezing in customers' faces. This is the best way to literally survive the holidays in retail.
- Realize that your store is probably the fifth on the customer's long list of places to visit. If they get snappy or impatient, it's nothing personal. Try your best to smile and act cordial - it may make as much of a difference to get to them to buy more. For every unappreciative customer there are at least two who are grateful for your service. They may even mention their thanks to your manager.
- Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know" to customers' questions, but be able to turn to someone who does. Take advice from veteran retailers to heart.
Managers and Supervisors
- Start planning early on ordering stock, outlining where things will be placed, and train holiday help in advance so they have enough skills when it comes to crunch time.
- Staff is probably the most important safeguard you have in meeting demands and surviving the holidays in retail. Schedule 25 percent more than you normally need to compromise for those unexpected rushes.
- Organize grids of where each worker will cover. Allow for flexibility in duties if more help is needed in another area.
- Motivate employees by buying lunch or candy to boost morale.
- Many stores participate in charitable drives. Workers will feel like they are making a difference if they solicit customer donations.
All Retailers: At the end of all the rush, buy yourself something nice for the extra hours you've worked and to take advantage of that employee discount! Finally, take a couple days off either in the middle of the rush, if possible, to preserve your sanity, or at the end, to recuperate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|