A day in the Chaos

So, another wonderful day has passed in retail during the holidays. Let me say, OH MY FUCKING GOD!!!

Today was just crazy. I got in around 1pm this afternoon and didn't stop until 9:40. I had enough time to get a drink and a candy bar about half way through the day and that was it. My assistant mngr. was about to kill one of the newbs and also was still getting over her cold. I sent her home an hour early because by the time 4:00 rolled around she could hardly talk. That woman is amazing. I don't know how she does it half the time. I sure as hell don't know how I would do it without her. She could have had a store five times over. Unfortunately she is smart. She knows better than to make such a silly mistake as moving up in the wonderful world of retail. Every extra level comes with a larger boat load of crap you have to deal with.

So where she has passed the trials of hell and fire, the newb got burnt to a holy crisp. He will be on his way as soon as his warm body is no longer needed. C'est la vie. That is why I love the holiday season. You find out who can make it and who can't rather quickly. Is that cruel of me? Just curious.

Now with all the chaos came many moments that make me smile. The one reason I do enjoy retail is that I love helping people. Now I know that I could be doing that in many different fields and in probably more substantial ways but for now this will have to do. I absolutely love it when people are so glad to have a friendly knowledgeable person helping them out. One that isn't pushy but just enjoys what they do and likes to help a person. That is me. That is why I like this job from time to time. This holiday has had a large number of people come in who really enjoy shopping with us for just that reason. We as a staff have gotten a tone of "I love shopping in your store," "you all are so helpful," and "Thank you so much." That kind of feedback makes my day. We have a group of people and a store that isn't pushy, gives honest opinions and genuinely cares about making the customer happy. Can someone please tell Corp. America that this kind of business DOES WORK!!!!!! This is what running a business should be about. Not about the bottom line. I imagine those who run a business for love of what they are doing know that. My parents did when they had their restaurant and so many were sad when they closed after 10 years of service. That is why I have stayed in this job for as long as I have. I really do enjoy this job at times.

In this industry the higher ups have slowly sapped that idea from this job making it something that a trained monkey could do and in the end I am sure that is the kind of person they want in their stores. Nothing like a yes man answering your questions. "Is this a good game?" "Oh absolutely. Your 10yr old will love Grand Theft Auto." Nothing is sweeter to my ears than the mother thanking me for telling her what was in a game when the child was trying to pull the wool over her eyes. Is that mean of me as well? Just wondering ;)

So to top off all the wonderful comments today my Ast. Mngr. and I both got a gift from a loyal customer. He is an MD who has been coming to us for ages. He and his children love games and we have always tried to be straight with him on what is good and what sucks and over the last couple of years we have gotten to know him rather well. He is one of those genuine people who really is kind hearted. The kind of person who became a doctor so he could help people out. Well, we helped him make sure he got a Christmas present he was hunting for, and for that he was kind and gave us a nice little gift today. Neither of us did it expecting anything in return. We just knew it would put a smile on his face and on his kids. For that he put a smile on ours by showing that caring really is repaid in kind. Those comments from customers and that kind of holiday spirit is what really helps me through the long days during this time of year. I couldn't do it without the people I have around me in the store and if you all ever find this silly page of mine I want you to know I love you guys, you rock, and happy holidays to the best crew I could ever wish for.