Retelling Nightmarish Moments in Retail: A Peek into Retail Horror Stories
I have had countless experiences that could be classified as 'nightmares' while working at Hobby Lobby. Over the years, the most memorable horror stories include a woman who took a restroom break in the middle of the store, a mother of six who lost one of her young children, and numerous instances of customer stupidity that left me questioning human nature.
One particularly bizarre incident involved a woman who, despite being an adult, chose to relieve herself in the middle of the art aisle. It's events like these that make you question the sanity of some individuals.
Horror Story: Restroom Drama
The other time, I was dealing with a mother of six children, all under the age of 13. She lost her youngest kid, and we had to search the store for him, specifically ten minutes before closing. At the same time, another child entered the restroom and left the store. The manager ran out to retrieve the child just as she was starting her car. It was another testament to the unpredictability and chaos that can accompany large families with young children.
Horror Story: Invalid Customer Complaints and Inquiries
Customer behavior can be truly baffling. Once, while on the return register, a woman held up my line for over ten minutes to ask about color coordination advice for a wedding. Another instance involved a caller who claimed she needed help in the home decor section, despite being able to see it from ten feet away. Such behavior was common, and it often made for long, frustrating days.
I often encountered customers asking seemingly simple questions about products. One customer asked how to use glue or scissors, and when I provided the answer, they would immediately ask, "Where is the front of the store?" Such inquiries added to the frustration of the scenario. I was a retail worker, not a personal shopper, but the need to assist everyone just seemed overwhelming.
Comprehending Customer Behavior and Retail Stress
Working retail gave me a unique perspective on human nature. It wasn't just the customers who exhibited questionable behavior. I often had to deal with stupidity and rudeness from colleagues, too. The customers would make messes or ask ridiculous questions, leading me to feel exasperated. The cumulative effect of these experiences often made me resent not just the customers but also children, who were often at the center of complaints and chaos.
When I worked in the patient pharmacy of a hospital, things changed drastically. Now, people I interacted with were dealing with serious health issues, terminal illnesses, or pain. Their frustration was often easier to sympathize with, even if it was still real and significant. The comparison between the two environments was stark and made me appreciate when things were less chaotic and more serious.
Final Thoughts on Retail Work
Working at Hobby Lobby was an education in human behavior, but not a pleasant one. The vivid memories of these horror stories remind me of the challenges of retail work and the valuable lessons learned in dealing with people under stressful conditions. While I'm glad I now work in a patient pharmacy, I hold onto these experiences with a mix of nostalgia and relief.