Unfiltered Story #217707
(I am actually a customer in this story. For whatever reason, I tend to get mistaken for retail staff all the time. Apparently I just look approachable…? In this particular story I am dress shopping for a wedding, so I am going to higher end women’s clothing stores where the staff tend to be dressed nicely. I was wearing boots, ripped jeans and a grey hoodie.)
Customer #1: Excuse me, but where are the fitting rooms?
Me: *Looks up from rack confused* I’m not sure. In the back right corner of the store I think?
Customer #1: Ok, thanks!
(Customer #1 leaves and I continue my shopping)
Customer #2: Excuse me, where are the pantyhose?
Me: I think I saw them by the register? I’d check there first.
Customer #2: Ok thanks!
(Customer #2 leaves and I continue my shopping.)
Customer #3: Excuse me.
(I did not realize she was talking to me, so I continued to do my shopping.)
Customer #3: *louder* Excuse me!
Me: Uh … yes?
Customer #3: *holds up dress* Is this dress available in a size 8?
Me: Honestly, I don’t know. You should ask that lady over there. She probably knows. *Points to an actual sale’s associate*
Customer #3: No, I am asking you. Now do what you are paid to do and help me find a dress or I will call a manager!
Me: Ma’am, I’m not being paid at all. I don’t work here.
Customer #3: Don’t lie to me! I saw you helping those other two customers!
Me: They also mistook me for an employee, though I honestly have no idea why. I was just being polite and giving them my best guess at an answer, but I can honestly tell you I don’t know what size they have in any of these dresses. You’ll have to go ask someone who works here.
Customer #3: This is terrible customer service! I want to speak with your manager!
Me: *Getting extremely annoyed* Lady, look at my clothes, do I look like I work here?
Customer #3: *Suddenly beginning to doubt herself* Oh, well…
Me: That’s what I thought.
(Eventually the lady did go to a sale’s associate and ask for help, though I noticed that she used a far more civil tone with the sale’s girl than she did with me. She also avoided eye contact with me when I stood behind her in the checkout line.)
