Does the way people dress whenever they go to the mall impact the way people treat them when they go shopping?

Question

I'm doing a science fair project about the difference between if your dressed up nicely when you go the mall or horribly. And I need to know the history on that subject.

Answer 1

yes i think it does. if i go to the mall wearing nice cloths and my leather jacket they treat me real good. if i go wearing jeans and a sweatshirt they pretend i am not there. it is wrong but yes i have noticed a difference b/c of what i am wearing.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say that dressing up to go to the mall has a direct impact on your treatment. A better statement might be that if you dress in a way that goes along with the general idea of the store you are shopping at, you may get better service. For example, if you go into Hollister wearing a sweater and baggy jeans, the chances of excellent service are lower. But if you go into Hollister wearing a tight little tank top and size 0 jeans, you'll be treated very well. Take the sweater and baggy jeans outfit and go into an outdoors store. They'll treat you much better if you're wearing a sweatshirt rather than Hollister-esque clothes. It all depends on which store!

Answer 3

Yes unfortunately people are treated according to the way they are dressed.

I will not go into Radio Shack again because they told me that I can't afford a particular item that I asked them about. It just so happened that I was working on my home that day (wallpapering) and I was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, it was late and I wanted to pick up this item for my husband before they closed so I didn't take time to change my clothes. Needless to say, I did not buy that item there, nor have I ever set foot in that store again. That was 16 years ago.

Answer 4

It really does. Think about how you stereotype people by their looks, people everywhere do the same thing.

I agree with the person up above that said you should try the experiment for yourself. Dress like a bum on day & see how you are treated when you interact with others. The next day dress very nicely & see the difference. Or get a friend to do it so you can observe.

Answer 5

Yes it's true. I once went to the mall in really sloppy clothes and hair because I was down in the dumps and lazy. I noticed that even though I had lots of money to spend, clerks weren't interested in helping me. They more or less dismissed me on sight. But other times I've gone after work when I'm dressed up and they think they can score a sale. They are much friendlier, too.
But also.. this could be partly in my attitude. If I go out sloppy and unkempt, I feel bad. I might be slouching or frowning.

Answer 6

I hate to say it but YES! Society makes it so if u dont look-act- and behave a certain way you just do not fit in! For your project go to the mall all gothic- black clothesd-lipstick ect..... Then go all dressed up and you WILL see the difference! Good choice on project by the way! Good luck to u! When u r dressed dowen Ill guarantee store employees follow u around and watch u close to see if u steal- dressed up- hardly at all! Sad but very very true! Too many people judge people by the clothes and way they look and its wrong but its true! Ive done it and I think everyone has. Does not make it right just makes it true

Answer 7

My mother and I went wig shopping for her. The sales lady took one look at us and decided that we were not worthy of her attention even though there were no others in the store. My mom had her hair dyed in pinkish/red high lights, in contrast to her dark brown hair, I was wearing jeans and sweatshirt, my mom; jeans and some funky shirt (nevermind the purses we were carrying mine a less expensive purse at 400 dollars but my mothers was over 2K). Anyway, she figured we were just there dinking around and didn't have the money for these wigs where were at a minimum $500 for the less quality ones. She rolled her eyes at us and hesitantly helped us, awaiting for another customer to come into the store and "save" her. Each and everytime a customer came in she left us to be without a word keeping us waiting until they left to get waited on. Since this is really the only fine wig shop in town we were left at a disadvantage. But it was all worth it when we told her we'd be purchasing several wigs. Her face looked as if "but you can't possibly afford all of this".

As unfair as it is, I believe there is some serious stereotyping going on. All those other people came in tried on and left, we were the only ones that purchased one wig let alone several.

Answer 8

With the amount of wealth people have, never before have judge others by what they wear, drive, and live. I would got to the mall in new and old outfits to see the level of treatment you get. I would have friends of different color and nationalities particapate as well. You can argue if that can have a hand in it as well. Expecially the high end stores.

Answer 9

I dont know if I can help with teh history of it but it has happened to me. I work downtown and on my lunch I often walk the mall and shops downtown. It happened to be a Friday (jeans day) and I am 26.

I decided to go to Nordstroms and actually look for a dress for my mom for my wedding. My mom is small and very pretty. most mother of the bride dresses are the ugliest things ever and i would never let my mom dress in them.

I walked up to the 3rd floor and was looking around. This lady came over (wearing something straight from Steve Erwins Adventure...hello you work in Nordstroms) and asked "what do you need ma'am?", in the most derogitory voice. Her nose was high and she used the worst tone ever. I told her I was looking for a dress for my mom for my wedding and she told me where they were. I said, "yeah, but my mom is a hot mom and i wouldnt be caught dead with her in one of those." She kind of humphed at me and said "well, i guess we dont have anything here for you then."

I walked out. i wanted so bad to punch her in the face. I hate people that work at the ritzy stores. Just because you are young or dress in jeans you shouldnt be allowed to shop in there. The scene from Pretty Women isnt all that out of the ordinary. Perhaps you can use that clip for your project.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Um yeah. My husband and I went to this nice department store and we weren't dressed up. It was cold so we were wearing big jackets. Anyways, the salespeople kept following us around like we were gonna steal something. So we left and spent our money somewhere else. It's their commission they are missing out on for being so small minded.