Christmas Countdown In Effect!

Well for those dedicated shoppers it has! 64 days left until Christmas. That seems like a lot of time right? Just over two months to go shopping for your friends and family and get them that perfect gift. I've been working four years in retail which would make this my fifth Christmas in retail and trust me I've seen all the crazy people out there.

First of all there's the 'four months early' shoppers. The ones that come in August or September and ask if they can get a Christmas gift receipt for their purchase. Umm well no you can't...because there are no returns after four months.

There's the people after Christmas (aka boxing week) who come back with stuff with no receipts. Now normally this is fine..we just scan the item and give them a gift card for what the item is currently worth. Sometimes though people try and pull the wool over our eyes and bring back items that are two, three, even four years old. Yes this does happen. I scan the item, it doesn't appear in our system. People get mad because they got an old gift or they seem embarrassed trying to get away with something devious.

There's the 'day before Christmas time to start my list' shoppers who I wish really didn't exist. How does one think it's possible to get all of your shopping done in one day?! I mean come on unless your buying maybe less than five gifts okay. I have seen people come in with a mile long list on December 24th with nothing checked off, running through the mall like they're on a mission. Try to stay out of these peoples' way or you may get run over.

There are all kinds of shoppers around the holidays and no matter what you're going to get those super nice friendly ones and those super grumpy rude people. I make the best of it and just smile as much as possible. Sometimes that's all it takes to make someone's day. Here are my top five tips for working Christmas retail and shopping throughout the holiday season.

Working
1) Smile. It can go such a long way and even if you don't want to chances are it may improve an awful situation.
2) Try getting out of the mall if you get a break. In other words, don't sit in the mall on your break because you may just make yourself more stressed. Get some fresh air or sit in your staff room with some music or a book.
3) If you have a big shopping list, try what I do and book one or two days off to get through it. It's so much easier to get the list done in two big trips than being at the mall when you don't have to be.
4) Wear some festive attire. If your work allows it, wear some nice red/green, earrings, or scarves. You look cute and it feels more festive.
5) Just think, it's only a month. It'll be over before you know it.

Shoppers
1) Try and make a list before you go out. It'll make it easier for you to find what you need and if you need help from a sales associate they can better assist you.
2) Avoid the Starbucks line or get your coffee before coming to the mall. Seriously, this line can be upwards of 30 people at times and it's so not worth your time.
3) If you have a problem, don't yell at the sales associates. It's only going to make everyone more tense and angry and that's just not something anyone wants around the holidays.
4) Don't wait til the last minute. If you need sizes or styles you may not get them if you wait until December 24th. Try and get your shopping done early, but not too early!
5) Keep all your receipts and get gift receipts! If something doesn't fit or someone doesn't like their gift it is so much easier for you and the sales associate if you have your receipts.

If you have any awesome tips for holiday shopping, comment!!!


*photos from Google images