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