Why are most retail shoppers unaware of how messy they are?

Question

I work at a non-specific chain retail store. Through out the day, I pick up messes. Obviously. Why is it that people are unwilling to put stuff back in the right spot? I might find something a couple pegs away from it's original spot or something across the store. Most retail places encourage shoppers to leave their unwanted at the registers - but rarely ever happens! I had an insight as I decided to test the shoppers. 'How many times would I push in the rows of chairs on my 8 hour shift?' I must of pushed in every chair atleast 3 times that day! Is it because of the dreaded phrase, "Job security"? Do shoppers feel that people who work in retail do not deserve respect? Are they unaware of themselves and/or distracted? I'd really like to know!

Answer 1

I am sometimes messy when I shop, and I am aware of it. I sometimes put items where they don't belong simply because I've changed my mind and am too tired to take them back to the original shelf. Sometimes I don't even remember where it goes. I try not to do it often, but I do it.

As to bringing it to the checkout, that's probably what I'd do if I were purchasing 4 or 5 items, but if I'm doing my weekly grocery shopping, for example, if that item stays in my cart, I'm going to end up buying it whether I want it or not. Frozen or refrigerated items, however, I will return to the freezer or refrigerator, no matter how far I have to walk.

I am seldom able to fold clothes properly due to a disability, but I try to arrange them somewhat neatly on the pile if I've unfolded them to look at them. I'm sure the store employees have to refold them later, but that is part of the cost of doing business, and I know that cost will be passed on to me.

If I spill something, or otherwise cause a dangerous situation, I will ALWAYS alert a store employee.

I don't think it has anything to do with respect though. I simply don't think it is my job to keep the store neat. It is my job to spend money there. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate you. I just don't want to have to do your job after work.

That is not to say that I think it's OK to throw candy on the floor or let my kids open the toys or things like that.

In exchange, when you come to my office, or call me 5 times in one day, I will not ask you to find your file or refile it when we're finished discussing it. Seems fair to me.

Answer 2

I think that this is a very good question! My opinion is that some shoppers pick up an item that they like, but then find something else that they like better. They do not go back to where the original was picked up (oh how lazy), so they put it where they currently are located. And too I do think that people assume that you as an employee will return it to the right place, that is what you're being paid for isn't it. Then again I also think that there are some that are distracted. I have set all the things down that I had intended on purchasing because my child was not behaving themselves, and I refused to give into the behavior. How rotten of me to assume that you would put the items back, but as a parent my first job is to protect, help and discipline my child. It could be too that people just don't remember where the heck they picked that item up at...I've done that too. Been in a store for a while and just really forgot where I got it from in the first place. I wouldn't take offense with us lazy people, sometimes it is unintentional, but other times it's just plain job security.

Answer 3

I think this question has multiple answers.

The majority of shoppers are probably rushed for time. For this reason we often justify leaving a mess because we feel we don't have time and the retail clerk is paid to take care of it.

The above attitude is most likely a side-effect of laziness. We'd rather create more work for someone else than take a few minutes to clean our own mess.

On occasion, we may be overwhelmed by job stress, shopping with children, difficulty finding the items we need in the store, or other distractions and possibly unaware of the path of mess we have left behind.

However, if we were more considerate of others, we would never leave a mess for another person to clean up. Each person who is physically capable should be accountable for their own mess.

Answer 4

I work in retail too and agree with you. I think that most people feel that since they are spending thier hard earned money in the store they should be able to do almost anything. I really think the worst area is the women's restroom. People are just slobs when it comes to shopping. I try and teach my children to bring what they don't want to the register or to put it back where it came from.

Answer 5

As an ex-retail store employee I completely understand your frustration. I hated the toy department; it was never ending! Now when I do go to a retail store I am very careful about picking up anything I may have messed up!

Answer 6

dont even get me start about messy shoppers....some of them are down right disgusting!! leaving their used tissue all over the place....i think they need to issue licensed to shoppers...otherwise they should be fined to sit at home and order from home shopping channels....it's not enough they can see without opening the package...they have to tear off and look inside!! My fantasy would one day to hired catholic nuns holding a large ruler and walk along the aisles to spot this messy shoppers... a good smack on their hands that mess up the products would bring joy to many retail workers!!

Answer 7

I really don't think they are unaware. I think that they just don't care because they aren't the ones who have to clean it up. I watch people drop trash, track mud, and even walk in the store one minutes until closing and just browse!

The only time I come across someone who is consciously aware of their actions in the store, normally they have worked retail before.

Answer 8

People are just lazy when they're not at home. I've worked retail for years! I also worked at a hotel for a while. You should see how they treat the hotel rooms! Gross!!!!!!!

I really don't think it's because they don't respect the employees, people are just pigs, pure and simple. But, I'm right there with you!!!

Answer 9

Some people are just that way. I am a shopper, when I see clothes or anything on the floor I pick them up and place them where they were.

Answer 10

Get over it! I worked retail too, and you just have to accept the mess as a part of it. If I wanted to be neat I wouldn't give the store the money, I'd stay home.