The Retail Hell!

Over the past 21 years I have worked on and off in the retail industry. I have worked in both capacities as a manager and as a sales associate. As a result of my past experience in this industry I always try to maintain a high level of respect for people who work in retail when I patronize these types of establishments. The retail industry is very esoteric and seldom understood by many. Working in retail can be rewarding but it also can be very stressful.

People that work in retail are subject to lots of ridicule. Not only do they have to listen to the needs and concerns of customers but they also have to endure the never ending politics that exists within the company they work for. They are constantly overwhelmed by sometimes mandatory sales quotas that they have to meet, which can affect their employment status. I have never been supporter of sales quotas because they sometimes cause sales associates to be dishonest in dealings with customers; they cause unnecessary camaraderie amongst employees. Although those commissions from sales are nice but when people start bringing items back those charge backs are not good.

One of the most difficult times in retail is during the Christmas holiday season. The day after Thanksgiving which has become commonly known as "Black Friday," is considered to be one of the biggest shopping days of the year. It is a day when retailers are optimistic about turning slow year long sales into much needed profits. Now this is also a time when retailers really test the psyche of customers. Some of the sales tactics used during this time are very deceptive. Two things in particular that have always puzzled me are the outrageous price points and superficial discounts. For example, a price of athletic shoes a week before "Black Friday" may have costs $34.99; for the holiday those same shoes might be $39.99 with ten percent off. Many shoppers might not be aware of this type of practice carried out by retailers because they may just be caught up in the hype of holiday shopping. Any true bargain hunter will agree that a ten percent discount is not a deal at all. In most states a ten percent discount won't even cover the sales tax on the item. If you are not being offered at least a twenty five percent discount on an item it is not even worth your time.