The shopping experience....or is it retail therapy?

[poltr1]

Believe it or not, I like to go shopping at some stores -- computer/technology stores, book stores, office supply stores, record/music stores. Most of the time, the clerks leave me alone and let me shop. I'm fine with that. If I need help, I'll ask someone.

Recently, I've noticed that some stores now have a "greet the customer as soon as they come in the door" policy. While it's nice that they have that and acknowledge me as a customer, I would hope they'd wait at least 30 seconds before they offer to help. Example: The OfficeMax in Miamisburg. The last two times I walked in the store, one of their clerks (I belive his name is Eric) practically pounced on me about 10 seconds after walking through the door. I want to say, "Leave me alone! I'm perfectly capable of finding what I want by myself, thank you."

Maybe they're bored and looking for something to do. Or it's their policy to do what they do. But I get a small thrill out of finding stuff by myself. I don't want to share any part of that victory with a store clerk.

There are two ways I shop. One is the "blitzkrieg" approach -- go in with a short list, find what I want, and check out. The other is a more leisurely approach, when I have more time. I'll go without a list. I'll look around, browse, see things that I think I can use, and go home with them. And I'll often linger in stores when I do this.

And why do I go out to shop? I'm bored at home. It gives me something to do. But I try not to abuse the retailers by going in their store and not buying anything, I'll usually make a "courtesy purchase" of $5 or less.

Comments

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Commonly, when the sales clerks are stepping all over your feet with "Can I help you?" within seconds after you walk into the store, it means one of two things:

1. Business is really crappy and they're trying hard to make a sale.
2. Something about you makes them think you're a shoplifter, and they're trying to keep an eye on you.

[billroper]

A lot of times, the greeting is simply a matter of policy. I just say, "Thanks, I'm good," and continue.

[redaxe.livejournal.com]

"No, thank you" is usually sufficient to get the employee to back off. If it's not, something is wrong, and I'll find somewhere else to be unless this store is my only option.

[dagonell.livejournal.com]

First of all, I don't feel guilty if I don't make a purchase. They get enough of my business when I do buy. Secondly, strangely enough, Walmart has the correct greeter technique. The guy at the entrance welcomes you to the store and asks if you need assistance. If you say no, he'll leave you alone.

The last time I was in the big chain hardware store:
"Can I help you?"
"Nope, I'm good."
"Well, it's store policy that we help the customer."
"In that case, can you give me directions to a hardware store where it's store policy to respect the customer's wishes?"
He got the message and left me alone.