I spoke to several of my friends who had to work the dreaded early morning hours of Black Friday. Most of them work in retail in large outlet stores or malls. Over the lunch table today, they swapped stories of being cursed out because of prices, hour-long lines, and complaining shoppers. It may be too late for Black Friday craziness, but from hearing these stories, it sounds like some people need to be more courteous toward employees. It can be irritating to read about huge sales, only to go to the store and be disappointed with the higher-than-expected prices. However, instead of getting angry and yelling at the people who are working, shoppers should remember that the workers usually aren’t the ones who set prices and falsely advertise. Especially if the workers are young people, who typically have no say over how the store is run.
It must have been the early hours and big crowds on Black Friday that made so many people act irrationally towards store employees, but the workers have to deal with the elements as well. When I see a worker get berated because of something that is not his or her fault, I always feel so sorry for the poor worker. Everyone knows that work can be hard enough, and mean comments from others can ruin a person’s day. Getting angry and saying hurtful things is not only bad for the employee, but you may regret it later. When we get upset at outrageous prices, other shoppers, or not enough merchandise, it’s important that we think about how we would feel working under this stress. Or you can just leave and go somewhere else if you feel the store doesn’t deserve your business.
If you feel it’s necessary to make a comment to an employee, try to express your concern, not your anger. Obviously, people will be more willing to listen to you if you are calm and reasonable. It’s perfectly understandable to express your opinions of an irresponsible or rude employee, an inexcusable mess in the store, or unruly shoppers. Your best bet for getting your feelings heard on any subject is to seek out a manager or supervisor. Typically the only response the average employees will have is “I’m very sorry.” If there’s a problem with pricing or a disorganized store due to crowds, the employees have probably heard 80 complaints before yours, so don’t think that your shouting and cursing will make a difference.
Next time you’re out shopping and feel the need to express something other than glowing praise about prices, employees, or other customers, think about the most logical way to share your feelings. It’s useless to be upset about a high price on a sweater, and then go and scream at the teenager arranging jeans across the store. The Golden Rule applies to everything in life, so think about what you would do if slammed clothes down at the register and cursed at you about a messy store.

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