The ‘magic’ of the holiday season in retail
By Libby D’Orvilliers
Walking past leftover Halloween pumpkins and candy wrappers strewn across the sidewalks, I entered my job with an optimistic autumn attitude. Upon walking through the main entrance on Nov. 1, I was met with a cacophonous, “Glee-esque” cover of “Jingle Bell Rock” subtly leaking from the store speakers while shoppers clad in red and green clamored for the holiday deals, their grandchild’s wishlist in hand.
It is almost inevitable that one will work in some form of the service industry during their time spent as an undergraduate student. While I will be placing special focus on working in retail, as this is where I have experience, it is important to acknowledge that most of the sentiments I share likely apply to other areas of the service industry, such as the food service sector.
I love my job with all my heart, and I know it is a privilege to say that, as not everyone, especially those working in retail, can agree. However, there is something about the holiday season that makes working in retail less “magical.”
Junior psychology major Victoria Vargas, who works in two different retail positions seasonally, shares this same sentiment: “For the most part, I love my job.” However, she admits that it is frustrating when she is trying to be helpful and customers continually push back about things that she has no control over, such as prices. Vargas shared that she has been frustratingly and unjustly called a “scammer” by customers on several occasions due to the store’s lack of holiday deals.
I can certainly relate to shoppers looking for a good deal; however, as the holiday season progresses, customers will express their frustrations to me over item prices more frequently, sometimes even swearing at me or other employees. While this does not generally phase me, as I understand the stresses of holiday shopping, it still takes a mental toll. It is important to keep in mind that, while you may be annoyed with the prices of items, please contain yourself so as to not take it out on the hourly employees just trying to earn some of our own holiday shopping money.
In addition to the expected tasks of a retail worker, including restocking shelves, running the register and helping customers to locate products, I, along with most retail employees, must clean up after customers who make messes or leave trash behind.
Aside from having to listen to the repetitive, poor musical renditions of previously-beloved holiday classics and dealing with huffy customers who are upset when we do not carry a specific scented candle and are always in a hurry, no matter what time of day it is, I have had countless positive interactions with holiday shoppers that reignite my passion for the job.
Whether it’s helping a customer pick out the perfect gift for their new daughter-in-law or sharing a brief moment of cordial laughter with my coworkers over the latest musical masterpiece to sound from our company-prescribed playlist, working during the holiday season has many benefits. One of my favorite things about my job is the connections, no matter how brief or small.
Sharing appreciation toward retail workers matters. Vargas shares that one of her jobs, like many in the service industry, sends out a “satisfaction survey” to customers where they have the opportunity to share their shopping experiences. Mentioning your positive experiences to companies is a great way to communicate appreciation if thanking employees in person makes you uncomfortable. Vargas once received positive feedback this way: “It literally made my day because someone acknowledged that I am doing a good job.” The little things matter.
During this taxing holiday season, please pick up your trash; if you cannot find a trash bin, do not hesitate to ask us. Do not just leave it on the floor, or even worse, on the shelves among the products. This is not only inconvenient to the already overworked employees but to fellow shoppers as well.
If you are in the checkout line and are getting impatient, please try your best to practice understanding. Chances are very high that a shift is short-staffed and that people have called out, so there really is only one or two of us able to be up at the register.
Despite it all, here we are, retail workers, happy to help you. Just remember to be kind and respectful to us while you are busy shopping. We do really want to help you, and a little “thank you” or “have a nice day” can go a long way in helping us feel more appreciated this holiday season.
Additionally, please wish me luck – I work a closing shift on Black Friday.
Libby D’Orvilliers is a junior psychology major
