The Rules According to Corks

Happy almost Turkey Day,

It's that time of year to remember that retail workers are people, too. Chances are, there are fewer employees at each stop you make. That is the reality of our current business climate. You will have to wait in line. There is probably less inventory wherever you are shopping. Again, that is the reality of our current business climate. HOWEVER, I would bet $ to doughnuts that every retailer has some sort of online ordering in place in the store to help you get what you want. The brick and mortar stores need you to come in now more than ever to prove that we are still relevant and viable.

Here are my Holiday 2017 wishes for people out shopping for gifts:

1. Think before you click. Shopping online is easy, but the stores need your presence. Please travel to your local retailer to check out the feel of fabrics, the look of colors, and experience the toys or electronics you are hoping to give your loved ones. Our livelihood depends on you coming in. I know it's annoying to brave the crowds and the parking. That's why smart retailers will be putting all the emphasis on in-store experience and will have good smelling things, smiling faces, and treats. SO MUCH effort goes into making beautiful stores and finding friendly associates to ensure you enjoy your visit.

2. Please bring some extra patience and let some sweet, inexperienced person assist you to find whatever you need. They will have to ask questions. You will have to ask questions. Be encouraging. Share that holiday spirit. They will be more effective if they are not stressed. If you are impatient or rude, they will screw. it. up. Also, remember that they are sacrificing holiday parties and shopping and that second glass of eggnog so that they can stay late at work to clean up after the very last customer who tried every single item in the store on.

3. Have fun with your fellow shoppers! If someone takes the last red sweater, congratulate their good fortune. They might even let you have it--I have seen it happen. DO NOT run to get the very last one of an item that you overheard a child say she wants to buy for her best friend who recently had an organ transplant(true story). Your friendly neighborhood retailer will have a hard time thinking nice thoughts about you and will not forget when she changes companies and you shop there, too.

4. Make a list, but be flexible. Is your child really going to die if she doesn't get the latest Shopkins pineapple, Cabbage Patch Doll, or newest game console? Sometimes we are our own worst enemy when shopping. Think of disappointment as a growth opportunity. Just kidding, whatever they want will be available when it gets overordered in January, and it will be on sale, because most of the kids will have moved on to the next big thing. Give your kids a gift card and a raincheck, but be flexible because they will probably want to buy something completely different.

5. Smile--just freaking smile. You will feel better, the associates in stores will feel better. One angry, difficult customer can throw even the most tenured associate off her game. If you want great service, be a great customer. That being said, there are some jerky associates out there. If you don't get great service, don't buy anything, but do a find a store where you will be treated the way you want. $ speak volumes about the service. (Also, don't tell someone they are too dumb, fat, ugly, nice, smart to work in retail). And we cannot say "Merry Christmas" to every customer. If you say it to me, I will say it back, but I don't want to impose on someone who does not celebrate Christmas. "Happy Holidays" is a lovely greeting given by people who want to celebrate with you, regardless of what you believe. Try returning a kindness with a kindness.

6. Acknowledge good service. This won't be a surprise to you, but as a retail manager, I hear about every bad experience a customer has had in my store. So does corporate. Some people write amazingly angry letters every time they are inconvenienced, but the complimentary letters are much less common. If you have the opportunity to drop a quick email or phone call to corporate every time you leave a store and think "that was easy" or "that was fun" you would give so much hope to people who work really hard to do a sometimes thankless job.

Here are my commitments to you: I will solve every problem I can. I will coach my people until I can't speak. I will find a gift that works when I don't have what you came in for, and then I will gift wrap it for you. If there is a line at the register, I will tell you dumb jokes:

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Holly.

Holly who?

Holly-days are here again!

I will sing carols with you. I will push your baby in a stroller while you try on clothes. I will give your dog all of my attention if you will please just bring your dog in the store(seriously, bring your dog in the store). I will fold and refold sweaters so that every customer gets to shop in a beautiful store. I will contract mesothelioma from fluffing one too many flocked trees--all for you.

Sending you all the Holiday happiness!

Love,

Corks