Shopping. To me, the word conjures up a mix of emotions, most of which are not positive. Unless we are discussing trips to the tack or boot store, count me out. I swear that I am one of the most inept women on the face of the planet when it comes to buying clothes, shoes, makeup, or pretty much anything besides groceries (I just hate shopping for groceries, period. But I’ll save that for another post). I can wander through a store for an hour, back and forth through the aisles, and come out with only one or two items; much to the dismay of the cashier. I am sure sales people just love people like me!
I don’t love shopping online, either, because you just never know how things are going to fit, what the fabric feels like, or what it looks like as a whole item. But compared to physically going to a store, the ease and convenience of online shopping generally outweighs its potential pitfalls. There are so many things I despise about shopping in a physical store. It isn't just the lines or the fact that everything is ridiculously expensive; there is a lot more to it than that.
~ I can never find exactly what I am looking for: I always have "an idea" of what I am looking for, like a simple pair of brown shoes that go with slacks. Dressy yet casual shirts for work. A strapless slip to wear under a dress. I walk in, and if I can't find what I need in about 10 minutes, I get irritated and walk out.
~ Because customer service, even in my small town, is less than stellar: Asking me what I am looking for 2 seconds after walking in the door does not qualify as outstanding customer service. Chances are, I saw the pretty shirt in the window and decided to come in an peruse the racks. When I do ask for help, and get the deer in the headlights look more than once in the same store, it becomes easier to blow off the sales rep and look for the item myself.
~ Complete lack of Customer Service: Stores that hire people that are allowed to just be warm bodies are also the kind of stores that don't care about their customers. I overheard a pharmacy tech literally arguing with an old man about his prescriptions in a big box store a few days ago; I was heart broken for him and embarrassed for her. Acting like a bitch to old people that don't like your employer to start with only makes things worse.
~ Disrespectful shoppers: my biggest pet peeve is people that are rude to others in a store. I swear that the aisles in every store in America are getting smaller, but carts (and people) are getting bigger . Let's stay on the right side of the street, people! Say "excuse me" and " thank you" when you need something, and don't glare at people when you are the one in the way.
~ Terrible timing: Every time I think I can run to the store real quick on my lunch hour, I end up in line behind someone whose debit card is being denied, who is applying for a new store card, or a cashier that literally has grass growing under her feet.
~ Nosy cashiers: There is a difference between friendly staff that is helpful and nice, and the annoying cashier that reads the label on everything you buy. "You really need super tampons? Gee, that must be rough!" Seriously? Isn't it obvious that I just want you to scan those puppies and put the damn box in the bag, so I can get the hell out of here?
~ I hate the fact that the prettier the model on the ad for the makeup/hair dye/shirt/ whatever, the more it costs and the harder it is going to be to pull it off.
I wish I could hire a personal shopper. Someone with taste, patience, and a big wallet. Someone that has enough brains to buy grey dress socks when buying grey slacks, and a white strapless bra to be worn under a white dress. But, unfortunately, I don't see that happening anytime soon. So the next time you see me in a store, stay on the right side of the aisle... and please, please offer me all the style advice you know. I obviously need all the help I can get.
Till next time... (PS- If you have a teenage daughter looking for some pro-bono work as a free style consultant, please contact me immediately!)
Much love ~ Richelle