Don’t Judge a Shopper by Her Sweatpants

I don’t typically buy a lot of designer clothing, but when I do go shopping, I dress pretty casually. Last week I was strolling through the mall, and there was a designer backpack on display that caught my attention. I went inside the store (wearing a hoodie and ripped jeans) and went to inquire about the price of the backpack.

I waited around for ten minutes for someone to help me until I decided to go up to one of the sales representatives myself.

Sales Rep: “Wait, I’m helping another customer.”

So, I sat down and waited. I saw her in the corner of the store just standing, not doing anything. I decided to wait another five minutes for her to come back, but she never did.

I walked back up to her and told her I wanted to inquire about the backpack. I asked her:

Me: “Can you bring one from the backroom so I can take a closer look at it?”

Sales Rep: “I won’t be able to do that unless you’re planning on purchasing the item.”

She seemed annoyed with my request. Before I could say anything else, she quickly walked away to help another customer. I’m quite young (twenty-five), and I could tell she didn’t think I was serious about purchasing it and didn’t want to waste her time. I would have actually purchased it then and there if she hadn’t been so dismissive.

A few days later, I went back into the store. This time, I made sure to dress even more casually than before. I walked in with a pair of sweatpants, running shoes, a tank top, and a zip-up. The same lady was working that day and turned her back to me as soon as I walked in.

I went up to one of the other sales representatives (this guy was younger, smiling, and seemed eager to help).

Me: “I’d like to purchase the backpack.”

He gladly went inside and got it for me.

Other Sales Rep: “Would you like to take a look at it before buying?”

I thanked him, and he checked me out. The store manager was also by the cashier.

Me: “I came in last week, and that lady wouldn’t let me see the product before purchasing it.”

Manager: “I’m sorry to hear that. This isn’t the first time I’ve received a complaint about her.”

The item was a few grand, and all the commission went towards the junior. He was so kind and grateful. She avoided eye contact with me after she got told off by her manager, and I smiled at her as I walked out of the store.

Don’t judge a book by its cover.