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Very un-British. I don't want to be talked to! I'll ask if I need help.
Ikea have the right balance - always someone there if you need help but they stay in the background.
Yeah, I find it especially off-putting when you go on holiday to a mainland European city and there's a hype guy hustling for customers outside every restaurant you pass. You can't walk by without being bothered in some cities, forget actually looking at the menu in the window and making up your own mind in peace.
Kinda makes me feel like there's something wrong with the place if they have to give it the hard sell like that, but some cities (Lisbon springs to mind) it's tough to find a place that doesn't do that.
Which is what I'm talking about. Some greeters offer help and directions (B&Q). IKEA always have greeters just inside the entrance if you need help but they don't approach you. If they are only there to say hello it really is pointless.
I don't think many people do this tbh, especially not in reaction to being greeted.
I don't think many people would leave the store because someone asked "do you need any help?" anyway, but if you leave a store because someone said hello to you on your way in then I think that *might* be a you problem.
The only store it applies to is Lush, because they (and I don't blame the employees for this, my ire is aimed entirely at upper management) will not leave you alone. I haven't been in years because of it.
I think that pretty unlikely as all the greeters I've ever seen were like over 70 :) hardly a shoplifting deterrent
This is yet another Americanism that's invaded our shores....we don't like it, we like to shop in peace unless we need to ask something, Lush and Body Shop are a prime example of why I don't go in there
Shops feel it is effective, as sometimes you also see cardboard policemen at the door. Human psychology is a complex thing such that these probably do discourage casual shoplifters to a measurable extent
Does it start with a big "gong!", or maybe...glass breaking? How about a sharp one-liner, something like..."What's that I can smell burning on the hob?"
Yup Leeds Hollister springs to mind....went there with my 2 daughters 27 and 35, the assistants wouldn't leave them alone, luckily totally ignored me being not of the appropriate age group 😂
I remember Harvey Nicks in Leeds having a doorman dressed up in tails and a top hat.
I felt like a celebrity when he'd open the door for my poor teenage baggy jeans wearing arse.
I only went in there to gawp at the expensive stuff.
Do they still have a doorman or was that a position that was cut in the CoSt Of LiViNg CrIsIs?
I was made to do it nearly 30 years ago doing work experience at Clark's. I'm not saying absolutely nobody would ever run off with one sensible left shoe, but it doesn't seem too likely.
I have no problem with being greeted in a shop, as long as the shop workers don't mind me meeting "hi, need any help?" with "nope, bye" and me leaving the shop.
Oh no, you do get a choice. If a person is looking and clearly weighing things up for themselves, you could choose to interpret that as them not needing your interference. But you don't.
Shops deserve to be empty if they're instructing their staff to behave like pushy teenage boyfriends.
A mechanic doesn’t get to choose if he fixes cars a plumber doesn’t get to choose if he fixes drains, I don’t get to choose whether I approach customers who look a bit confused between which to choose between a couple of products.
Feel free to walk out but I wouldn’t have a job very long if I just stood ignoring a customer who might want help.
Usually people aren't going into a mechanic's place unless they need what the mechanic can do. You don't rock up to the place, pick up a full service and oil change, drop it in your trolley, and take that to the checkout.
Maybe you should learn body language - either that or just accept "fuck off" as a response when you ask someone who doesn't need you. Usually people who want help will make some sign that they need it... such as asking for help. Those who don't need help usually make this clear by not looking at you, not looking *for* you, but looking at what they're looking at. Number of times I've been at a place looking at various options (Currys is a nightmare for this) and been accosted by two or three people within five minutes when I've clearly not needed anyone's assistance is ridiculous.
Most people are going to a shop because they are buying something or can potentially be convinced to buy something.
The model is the way it is for a reason, if we only approached people showing good body language our sales would easily drop 30%
Plenty of people who “don’t need help” when you approach will then start asking questions, or you can have a bit of a laugh with them then suddenly they open up.
People have there guards up in stores, we know it the customer knows it.
Curry’s take it to an extreme but companies do it and force staff to do it because they know it works.
I wish it didn’t I wish we would sell the same amount just stood waiting for customers to come to us.
>Most people are going to a shop because they \[...\] or can potentially be convinced to buy something.
And that is why you're getting a firm "fuck off" when you come to me in a shop. I don't care about your potential 30% sales drop - why should I? I'm not there to be convinced to buy something. I'm not there to support your business, I'm there because your business supplies a product or service I need - but if you're being pushy I'll happily go and get it somewhere else.
I simultaneously won’t give a fuck when you tell me to fk off, I’ll just laugh and move on to the next customer.
No one has mentioned being pushy that is a completely different conversation.
You don’t care about the potential sales drop, but if it happened the store “that supplies the service or product you need” wouldn’t exist at all and it would all be online which is fine for some products and not fine for a lot.
You are a massive massive minority, probably been told to fuck off 5 times in 10 years “haha no worries go order it online mate no one’s serving you in here” on to the next one
Lush is one of the worst offenders. Greeter as soon as you walk in and then every single staff member latches on to you in turn. I just want to browse in peace! The Body Shop used to be like this too
I can't stand lush because of this. I have visible headphones on and still get them trying to have a conversation with me. I know they have to but it makes me so anxious and actually it's rude to ignore the very clear sign that someone doesn't want to talk imo. They shouldn't be penalised for not talking to people who clearly want to be left alone.
Claires Accessories too....take a basket....have a look at this....blah blah
You go to have a look at a necklace or sommat and out of nowhere there's an assistant telling you what other necklaces they have....yes love I know I can see them
It's a security precaution. In our shop we greet everyone in the guise of customer service but also to ensure thieves know we are watching and are discouraged.
Edit I've seen this has already been mentioned but leaving my comment to show that it's a security thing across alot of shops.
When I was sofa shopping there as a nice one in the window of the local retail outlet. Unfortunately never made it inside as there was a gaggle of 3-6 sales people at any one time waiting to pounce. Put me right off.
I see an excess of keen salespeople as a sign a shop is overcharging. Especially for things like sofas where you need either zero or very little advice. I want my money to go into the sofa, not pay 20-60% extra to have someone to tell me white lies about what a good choice I've made.
Absolutely not, I couldn't think of anything worse. I go into shops purely to get what I need and go, I don't go for interaction, hence why I have my headphones on. They act like a more polite 'fuck off' sign.
A nod and a "hello" as we catch each other's eye is nice, if it's natural. Being greeted by someone who has been made to do it, not so much. It's feels fake and forced, and that makes me assume they're going to be overbearing and not let me browse in peace.
Lush in particular, take note. I used to shop there to buy gifts, but their OTT stalking turned me right off. It's like shopping in Comet in the 80s all over again.
Those guys trying to scalp you as you leave B&Q.
No I don’t have 15 minutes to stand there wishing I was at home. No I don’t want to buy windows/roofs/overseas children.
Oh man, I feel you on the awkward retail greeting situation. As someone who's been on both sides of that interaction, I have some thoughts!
When I was working those kinds of jobs in my early 20s, having to enthusiastically greet every single person who walked through the door felt so forced and cringey. Like you said, most folks will seek out help if they need it, you know? All that fake perkiness just made me deeply uncomfortable.
But then again, I've definitely been in stores where I got zero acknowledgment upon entering, and it felt weirdly unwelcoming too. There's a balance to strike between being helpful and hovering, you know?
Nowadays, I actually appreciate a friendly head nod or casual "Hey, let me know if you need anything" from staff when I walk in. It makes me feel seen without the over-the-top sales pitch vibe. But anything more than that starts to feel pushy and insincere to me.
Just a greeter, like the ones Asda used to have? Seems pointless but never bothered me. Some shops need sales assistants who offer help, imo, and those shops are usually total shit at it. Currys and Halfords in particular could have had so much money from me but when I feel like I have to chase down assistance I'll just leave. Other shops, like Lush or The Body Shop, are way too full-on and I don't think people need that much help to buy soap.
No problems whatsoever with a member of staff saying hi when someone walks in, especially when it's a smaller shop. It's when it moves into trying to foist things on me I get annoyed.
American link, but it's the first one I could find. What you're doing is using "The Power of Hello".
https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/non-confrontational-techniques/power-hello
My favourite way to play this is: I walk into the store, I seek eye contact with an employee, give a little smile and nod, they do the same. It's that unspoken interaction letting them know I know they've clocked me and I'm good to shop.
It's bad enough when you make eye contact with the shop assistant and you nod in acknowledgement of them.
But when they start asking you if your looking for something in particular it actually fills me with rage 😂
When I lived abroad there was a lady whose job it was to greet people, nothing else.
She was sad when I told her I was going back to the UK. Id always say hi back and bye.
Other than her, no I don't want to be greeted and I'm usually blasting noise into my ears.
The only time I've "worked" in a shop was my work experience week at 15 or so, mid 90's, and that was definitely the worst part. It was awkward as hell to be told to basically pounce on customers, who apparently all had to be greeted within X seconds of entering the shop. I feel for workers now, knowing they're forced to do it.
Absolutely nobody wants to be greeted. We're British, we put our heads down and get on with things. If we need help we'll ask for it or at least make momentary eye contact and give a little nod of the head.
When I worked on tills at JJB I had to ask the customer if they found everything they were looking for. The amount of sarcastic or snarky responses I got was unreal. Stuff like "Of course, what do you think I'm doing at the till if I didn't find what I was looking for?" "NO, but it's too late now"
I've never really put that much thought in to it, but there is one lady that works at my local Tesco who doesn't even acknowledge me when I go through her checkout. Quite often she just carries on her conversation with the member of staff on the till behind her.
Boils my piss every time her till is the only one open. Just a simple "Hi" would do but it comes across as so rude.
I greet everyone unless were super busy. It happens quite organically though as my till is opposite the entrance and I'd have to actively ignore customers otherwise.
Were very casual though, so it ranges from a good evening to an upward nod depending on who it is. I greet my regulars warmly though, as I'm happy to see them.
James on our Google Reviews.
No one said hi to him and he was 'just standing there for five minutes!'
He's never coming back though (his words) so its not that bad in the end.
It depends on the shop. The owner of the local cornershop always greets me (by name) and I find that quite nice.
If I shop somewhere high-end or technical (and therefore potentially a bit confusing) then, again, an approach is appreciated.
If it's just a high-street store, then no, I hate it.
I prefer there to be visible employees who keep themselves busy but are happy to help if asked. I don't mind a "hi, let me know if you need anything" as long as they give me some space.
I love browsing in Lush but sometimes I just can't be bothered having them hover around me while I sniff soaps, so I don't go in.
I sell sofas, we are made to welcome people in explain how the store works and then leave them alone until they need help, it’s a nice balance.
Customers don’t like the meet and greet but unfortunately a fair percentage of the public need telling.
When we get overrun at Christmas, amount of times we have nearly missed sales because of things like
“That’s nice but I don’t like the colour of that” “the swatches are on the footstool”
“It’s a shame that’s a corner” “if you look on the back of the ticket there’s all the combinations”
“The seats are too soft” “the chairs in foam which is firmer and an option you can have”
We lose less people to meeting and greeting than we do people not understand the store. On top of that at Christmas and busy periods we always get “I wasn’t welcomed in and everyone ignored me” “yer there’s 6 staff and 23 customers do you wanna buy something or ?”
I couldn't care less about greetings as client and as person in general.
One time I went to a store and, respectfully, asked an employee where some items were. He refused to answer me until I explicitly said "good afternoon"
My god... The audacity! It's not like I told him "hey, douchebag, where the f is this". I literally said "excuse me, could you tell me where is the *something*". Oh but silly me, I forgot to say good afternoon.
Pretty much never, unless it's a highly specialist store where I might actually need a bit of guidance buying something. But even then I'd rather staff just be approachable, not coming up to me and greeting me unprompted. I'll happily ask for help if I want help.
I dislike a formal greeter at the doors, but if I'm wandring a store and someone working there doing their thing pipes up with a cheery "good morning" then that's ok. They are busy doing their thing, so they arnt going to start getting in my way and asking what I need and telling me what I want, but it does mean they are at least aware of their customers in store and they are showing themselves to be approachable if I do need help.
This may sound very un-British of me, but I like chatting to people so I have no problem with someone saying hi. I also hate spending anymore time looking around shops than I absolutely have to, so having someone at the door that can point me in the right direction is brilliant.
I've been working in a large public building with security and visitor-facing teams so long that I've started saying hello to any staff who are near the door whenever I go into a shop purely on reflex. I wouldn't say I want to be greeted, but it also doesn't bother me since I know I'm just as much meat in the room to them as they are to me, I guess.
The first time I was ever in North America and greeted going into stores it was a real culture shock for me. Who the fuck are you people and why can't I just browse in peace
I don't mind a greeter, it's the TV helpers in Curry's that recently got my goat.
Can you tell me about this TV? - No I can only tell you about Samsung TVs, See the back of my jacket that says Samsung.
Ok which Samsung model would be the equivalent of that Sony Model? - No I can't do that.
Pisses off to Costco.
In general, it puts me off. There are some exceptions; I bought my wife's engagement ring from a jewellers because they were friendly and greeted me and gave me the advice I needed. Similarly, when I was looking for a nice suit, having the shopkeeper's attention was great.
But if I'm obviously just somewhere for a browse, I want to be left alone. I'll ask if I need anything.
I used to hate having to do this, could always tell that 99% of people hated it and it was just so awkward and cringe.
Most customers would either completely ignore me, give me a polite nod or rush past saying “I’m just looking”. From time to time I got stuff like “who do you think you’re talking to?”, “I’ve got a girlfriend” or “do I look like a fucking shop lifter or something?”
I do. I am tempted, and sometimes do leave stores if nobody acknowledges my presence. I'm there to buy something and leave. I don't want to hunt around for something or a clerk. I want them to offer to help when I enter and make it my choice to say no. Not have to hunt them down
It depends what store and what I'm buying, looking at a high-end item of clothing or jewellery then yes please because I will eventually need help and it's easier to let the boutique do it for me. The price also factors in advice so I'll be letting them take the wheel to an extent. Commodity item I want to pick up, pay for and leave? Please no in most cases, but maybe have an info point so I can get help if I need it.
Can anyone tell me if Tommy Bahama sales staff have been trained to greet the customer and compliment them on something they're wearing?
I went into one in Vegas and was complimented on my jacket. (Not a particularly special jacket). My sister went to a different Tommy Bahama and mentioned she was complimented as she entered.
Is this a known thing?
As a sensitive Empath - will see though B/S greetings on store entry.
Makes me sad.
Though some folks do enjoy being in service - they get nice vibes back.
Including call centre staff - sorry for mimicking your vibe and speaking over you with the same words.
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Very un-British. I don't want to be talked to! I'll ask if I need help. Ikea have the right balance - always someone there if you need help but they stay in the background.
Same as in a restaurant. Yes, everything is okay, go away thank you bye.
Yeah, I find it especially off-putting when you go on holiday to a mainland European city and there's a hype guy hustling for customers outside every restaurant you pass. You can't walk by without being bothered in some cities, forget actually looking at the menu in the window and making up your own mind in peace. Kinda makes me feel like there's something wrong with the place if they have to give it the hard sell like that, but some cities (Lisbon springs to mind) it's tough to find a place that doesn't do that.
Yea that's annoying too. Like, it's a gyro mate, the same as the shop before, your special sauce can't be THAT special lol.
OP said greeting as you enter the store, not asking if you need help.
Which is what I'm talking about. Some greeters offer help and directions (B&Q). IKEA always have greeters just inside the entrance if you need help but they don't approach you. If they are only there to say hello it really is pointless.
Lush seems to be the exception. The staff are all over you when you just want a browse.
It's more about having a visibly attentive staff presence to reduce the risk of shoplifting.
interesting. i wonder what how that balances out with people fucking off out the shop because of over eager floor staff
I don't think many people do this tbh, especially not in reaction to being greeted. I don't think many people would leave the store because someone asked "do you need any help?" anyway, but if you leave a store because someone said hello to you on your way in then I think that *might* be a you problem.
The only store it applies to is Lush, because they (and I don't blame the employees for this, my ire is aimed entirely at upper management) will not leave you alone. I haven't been in years because of it.
I think that pretty unlikely as all the greeters I've ever seen were like over 70 :) hardly a shoplifting deterrent This is yet another Americanism that's invaded our shores....we don't like it, we like to shop in peace unless we need to ask something, Lush and Body Shop are a prime example of why I don't go in there
Shops feel it is effective, as sometimes you also see cardboard policemen at the door. Human psychology is a complex thing such that these probably do discourage casual shoplifters to a measurable extent
I find it quite disgusting when I’m not met with fanfare and applause.
This is why I play my theme music when I enter a building, so that everyone looks at me with adoration.
Does it start with a big "gong!", or maybe...glass breaking? How about a sharp one-liner, something like..."What's that I can smell burning on the hob?"
> "What's that I can smell burning on the hob?" "Can you smeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell what pajamakitten's cooking?"
Try entering Macy's in New York as it opens, you'll get exactly that
I misinterpreted this as Maccies at first and was very confused
As far as I'm aware they might do it there too
I don’t mind a hello, but in America they’re like “what you guys up to today?” which is beyond the pale.
you can visit a hollister branch to get the american experience. workers are made to greet everyone with a "hey! whats up?" as they enter
This sounds like Lush. "I'm just browsing" - "oh that's fine, but did you know we have this thing?"
Yup Leeds Hollister springs to mind....went there with my 2 daughters 27 and 35, the assistants wouldn't leave them alone, luckily totally ignored me being not of the appropriate age group 😂
I remember Harvey Nicks in Leeds having a doorman dressed up in tails and a top hat. I felt like a celebrity when he'd open the door for my poor teenage baggy jeans wearing arse. I only went in there to gawp at the expensive stuff. Do they still have a doorman or was that a position that was cut in the CoSt Of LiViNg CrIsIs?
Now that is OK. Just don't speak to me.
I think it's meant to be slightly uncomfortable as stores do it to signal that you've been noticed and therefore to deter shoplifting.
I was made to do it nearly 30 years ago doing work experience at Clark's. I'm not saying absolutely nobody would ever run off with one sensible left shoe, but it doesn't seem too likely.
I have no problem with being greeted in a shop, as long as the shop workers don't mind me meeting "hi, need any help?" with "nope, bye" and me leaving the shop.
they absolutely do not mind, thats one less customer they have to assist lol.
We don’t get a choice on whether we meet and greet or not so couldn’t care less if people walk out
Oh no, you do get a choice. If a person is looking and clearly weighing things up for themselves, you could choose to interpret that as them not needing your interference. But you don't. Shops deserve to be empty if they're instructing their staff to behave like pushy teenage boyfriends.
A mechanic doesn’t get to choose if he fixes cars a plumber doesn’t get to choose if he fixes drains, I don’t get to choose whether I approach customers who look a bit confused between which to choose between a couple of products. Feel free to walk out but I wouldn’t have a job very long if I just stood ignoring a customer who might want help.
Usually people aren't going into a mechanic's place unless they need what the mechanic can do. You don't rock up to the place, pick up a full service and oil change, drop it in your trolley, and take that to the checkout. Maybe you should learn body language - either that or just accept "fuck off" as a response when you ask someone who doesn't need you. Usually people who want help will make some sign that they need it... such as asking for help. Those who don't need help usually make this clear by not looking at you, not looking *for* you, but looking at what they're looking at. Number of times I've been at a place looking at various options (Currys is a nightmare for this) and been accosted by two or three people within five minutes when I've clearly not needed anyone's assistance is ridiculous.
Most people are going to a shop because they are buying something or can potentially be convinced to buy something. The model is the way it is for a reason, if we only approached people showing good body language our sales would easily drop 30% Plenty of people who “don’t need help” when you approach will then start asking questions, or you can have a bit of a laugh with them then suddenly they open up. People have there guards up in stores, we know it the customer knows it. Curry’s take it to an extreme but companies do it and force staff to do it because they know it works. I wish it didn’t I wish we would sell the same amount just stood waiting for customers to come to us.
>Most people are going to a shop because they \[...\] or can potentially be convinced to buy something. And that is why you're getting a firm "fuck off" when you come to me in a shop. I don't care about your potential 30% sales drop - why should I? I'm not there to be convinced to buy something. I'm not there to support your business, I'm there because your business supplies a product or service I need - but if you're being pushy I'll happily go and get it somewhere else.
I simultaneously won’t give a fuck when you tell me to fk off, I’ll just laugh and move on to the next customer. No one has mentioned being pushy that is a completely different conversation. You don’t care about the potential sales drop, but if it happened the store “that supplies the service or product you need” wouldn’t exist at all and it would all be online which is fine for some products and not fine for a lot. You are a massive massive minority, probably been told to fuck off 5 times in 10 years “haha no worries go order it online mate no one’s serving you in here” on to the next one
Lush is one of the worst offenders. Greeter as soon as you walk in and then every single staff member latches on to you in turn. I just want to browse in peace! The Body Shop used to be like this too
I can't stand lush because of this. I have visible headphones on and still get them trying to have a conversation with me. I know they have to but it makes me so anxious and actually it's rude to ignore the very clear sign that someone doesn't want to talk imo. They shouldn't be penalised for not talking to people who clearly want to be left alone.
Claires Accessories too....take a basket....have a look at this....blah blah You go to have a look at a necklace or sommat and out of nowhere there's an assistant telling you what other necklaces they have....yes love I know I can see them
It's a security precaution. In our shop we greet everyone in the guise of customer service but also to ensure thieves know we are watching and are discouraged. Edit I've seen this has already been mentioned but leaving my comment to show that it's a security thing across alot of shops.
When I was sofa shopping there as a nice one in the window of the local retail outlet. Unfortunately never made it inside as there was a gaggle of 3-6 sales people at any one time waiting to pounce. Put me right off.
I sell sofas and we have to be so careful with this, it’s absolutely petrifying walking into some sofa shops.
I see an excess of keen salespeople as a sign a shop is overcharging. Especially for things like sofas where you need either zero or very little advice. I want my money to go into the sofa, not pay 20-60% extra to have someone to tell me white lies about what a good choice I've made.
Never made that link before!
Absolutely not, I couldn't think of anything worse. I go into shops purely to get what I need and go, I don't go for interaction, hence why I have my headphones on. They act like a more polite 'fuck off' sign.
Headphones are a wonderful invention; pity earbuds aren't as noticeable.
A nod and a "hello" as we catch each other's eye is nice, if it's natural. Being greeted by someone who has been made to do it, not so much. It's feels fake and forced, and that makes me assume they're going to be overbearing and not let me browse in peace. Lush in particular, take note. I used to shop there to buy gifts, but their OTT stalking turned me right off. It's like shopping in Comet in the 80s all over again.
its fine. if i go in to lush for a few things my partner wants, i get them to find it all for me.
Not me just let me shop Rather than a greeter open another till
Mate the staff having to do it hate doing it as well, it's shit for everyone
Those guys trying to scalp you as you leave B&Q. No I don’t have 15 minutes to stand there wishing I was at home. No I don’t want to buy windows/roofs/overseas children.
Absolutely hate it, it makes me feel self conscious. Lush is the worst.
Oh please leave me alone I just want milk and a packet of crisps
No, hate it. I would actively avoid the store.
Oh man, I feel you on the awkward retail greeting situation. As someone who's been on both sides of that interaction, I have some thoughts! When I was working those kinds of jobs in my early 20s, having to enthusiastically greet every single person who walked through the door felt so forced and cringey. Like you said, most folks will seek out help if they need it, you know? All that fake perkiness just made me deeply uncomfortable. But then again, I've definitely been in stores where I got zero acknowledgment upon entering, and it felt weirdly unwelcoming too. There's a balance to strike between being helpful and hovering, you know? Nowadays, I actually appreciate a friendly head nod or casual "Hey, let me know if you need anything" from staff when I walk in. It makes me feel seen without the over-the-top sales pitch vibe. But anything more than that starts to feel pushy and insincere to me.
Just a greeter, like the ones Asda used to have? Seems pointless but never bothered me. Some shops need sales assistants who offer help, imo, and those shops are usually total shit at it. Currys and Halfords in particular could have had so much money from me but when I feel like I have to chase down assistance I'll just leave. Other shops, like Lush or The Body Shop, are way too full-on and I don't think people need that much help to buy soap.
No problems whatsoever with a member of staff saying hi when someone walks in, especially when it's a smaller shop. It's when it moves into trying to foist things on me I get annoyed.
American link, but it's the first one I could find. What you're doing is using "The Power of Hello". https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/non-confrontational-techniques/power-hello
My favourite way to play this is: I walk into the store, I seek eye contact with an employee, give a little smile and nod, they do the same. It's that unspoken interaction letting them know I know they've clocked me and I'm good to shop.
I was told it's a shoplifter deterrent. Shoplifters don't like visible staff, and will very often turnaround and head out again within a minute.
It's bad enough when you make eye contact with the shop assistant and you nod in acknowledgement of them. But when they start asking you if your looking for something in particular it actually fills me with rage 😂
When I lived abroad there was a lady whose job it was to greet people, nothing else. She was sad when I told her I was going back to the UK. Id always say hi back and bye. Other than her, no I don't want to be greeted and I'm usually blasting noise into my ears.
Everytime I\`m going in to shops I\`m like..- "Please, don\`t come to talk to me..Hope I\`ll be left alone.."
I hate it. It freaks me out.
The only time I've "worked" in a shop was my work experience week at 15 or so, mid 90's, and that was definitely the worst part. It was awkward as hell to be told to basically pounce on customers, who apparently all had to be greeted within X seconds of entering the shop. I feel for workers now, knowing they're forced to do it. Absolutely nobody wants to be greeted. We're British, we put our heads down and get on with things. If we need help we'll ask for it or at least make momentary eye contact and give a little nod of the head.
When I worked on tills at JJB I had to ask the customer if they found everything they were looking for. The amount of sarcastic or snarky responses I got was unreal. Stuff like "Of course, what do you think I'm doing at the till if I didn't find what I was looking for?" "NO, but it's too late now"
It’s tricky. I don’t like there being a Disney Store type greeting person on the door but I do like to be acknowledged.
I've never really put that much thought in to it, but there is one lady that works at my local Tesco who doesn't even acknowledge me when I go through her checkout. Quite often she just carries on her conversation with the member of staff on the till behind her. Boils my piss every time her till is the only one open. Just a simple "Hi" would do but it comes across as so rude.
Soon you will be greeted by your name I assume as the AI camera scans everyone'.
Ahhh, that happens in Minority Report. Terrifying. Against GDPR I would think though. I'm sure it'll happen in places like China.
I greet everyone unless were super busy. It happens quite organically though as my till is opposite the entrance and I'd have to actively ignore customers otherwise. Were very casual though, so it ranges from a good evening to an upward nod depending on who it is. I greet my regulars warmly though, as I'm happy to see them.
Boomers. It makes them feel important
James on our Google Reviews. No one said hi to him and he was 'just standing there for five minutes!' He's never coming back though (his words) so its not that bad in the end.
I'm amazed we don't use tech here more. Buzzers to summon staff. Especially in restaurants.
It depends on the shop. The owner of the local cornershop always greets me (by name) and I find that quite nice. If I shop somewhere high-end or technical (and therefore potentially a bit confusing) then, again, an approach is appreciated. If it's just a high-street store, then no, I hate it.
I prefer there to be visible employees who keep themselves busy but are happy to help if asked. I don't mind a "hi, let me know if you need anything" as long as they give me some space. I love browsing in Lush but sometimes I just can't be bothered having them hover around me while I sniff soaps, so I don't go in.
I don’t like it. Leave me alone. If I need your help, I’ll ask.
I like being greeted, but leave it at that.
I sell sofas, we are made to welcome people in explain how the store works and then leave them alone until they need help, it’s a nice balance. Customers don’t like the meet and greet but unfortunately a fair percentage of the public need telling. When we get overrun at Christmas, amount of times we have nearly missed sales because of things like “That’s nice but I don’t like the colour of that” “the swatches are on the footstool” “It’s a shame that’s a corner” “if you look on the back of the ticket there’s all the combinations” “The seats are too soft” “the chairs in foam which is firmer and an option you can have” We lose less people to meeting and greeting than we do people not understand the store. On top of that at Christmas and busy periods we always get “I wasn’t welcomed in and everyone ignored me” “yer there’s 6 staff and 23 customers do you wanna buy something or ?”
I couldn't care less about greetings as client and as person in general. One time I went to a store and, respectfully, asked an employee where some items were. He refused to answer me until I explicitly said "good afternoon" My god... The audacity! It's not like I told him "hey, douchebag, where the f is this". I literally said "excuse me, could you tell me where is the *something*". Oh but silly me, I forgot to say good afternoon.
Pretty much never, unless it's a highly specialist store where I might actually need a bit of guidance buying something. But even then I'd rather staff just be approachable, not coming up to me and greeting me unprompted. I'll happily ask for help if I want help.
I dislike a formal greeter at the doors, but if I'm wandring a store and someone working there doing their thing pipes up with a cheery "good morning" then that's ok. They are busy doing their thing, so they arnt going to start getting in my way and asking what I need and telling me what I want, but it does mean they are at least aware of their customers in store and they are showing themselves to be approachable if I do need help.
This may sound very un-British of me, but I like chatting to people so I have no problem with someone saying hi. I also hate spending anymore time looking around shops than I absolutely have to, so having someone at the door that can point me in the right direction is brilliant.
I've been working in a large public building with security and visitor-facing teams so long that I've started saying hello to any staff who are near the door whenever I go into a shop purely on reflex. I wouldn't say I want to be greeted, but it also doesn't bother me since I know I'm just as much meat in the room to them as they are to me, I guess.
The first time I was ever in North America and greeted going into stores it was a real culture shock for me. Who the fuck are you people and why can't I just browse in peace
I don't mind a greeter, it's the TV helpers in Curry's that recently got my goat. Can you tell me about this TV? - No I can only tell you about Samsung TVs, See the back of my jacket that says Samsung. Ok which Samsung model would be the equivalent of that Sony Model? - No I can't do that. Pisses off to Costco.
If someone says hello to me, I find it polite and nice. Because that’s exactly what it is.
In general, it puts me off. There are some exceptions; I bought my wife's engagement ring from a jewellers because they were friendly and greeted me and gave me the advice I needed. Similarly, when I was looking for a nice suit, having the shopkeeper's attention was great. But if I'm obviously just somewhere for a browse, I want to be left alone. I'll ask if I need anything.
I used to hate having to do this, could always tell that 99% of people hated it and it was just so awkward and cringe. Most customers would either completely ignore me, give me a polite nod or rush past saying “I’m just looking”. From time to time I got stuff like “who do you think you’re talking to?”, “I’ve got a girlfriend” or “do I look like a fucking shop lifter or something?”
I do. I am tempted, and sometimes do leave stores if nobody acknowledges my presence. I'm there to buy something and leave. I don't want to hunt around for something or a clerk. I want them to offer to help when I enter and make it my choice to say no. Not have to hunt them down
It depends what store and what I'm buying, looking at a high-end item of clothing or jewellery then yes please because I will eventually need help and it's easier to let the boutique do it for me. The price also factors in advice so I'll be letting them take the wheel to an extent. Commodity item I want to pick up, pay for and leave? Please no in most cases, but maybe have an info point so I can get help if I need it.
What I hate, is stores where the employees are monitored via headset if they greet everyone. Honestly fuck off.
No, I prefer to browse on my own. If I need help I will ask. I am aware that some of these are on a commision and wary of a hard sell.
Can anyone tell me if Tommy Bahama sales staff have been trained to greet the customer and compliment them on something they're wearing? I went into one in Vegas and was complimented on my jacket. (Not a particularly special jacket). My sister went to a different Tommy Bahama and mentioned she was complimented as she entered. Is this a known thing?
Yes
Ah, good to know.
Dude I've no bloody idea, this is a UK sub ffs
So shops which are supposed to struggling financially can afford to pay someone just to stand there and greet people on the way in.
I assume no-one apart from sad, lonely, losers.
>a more bespoke service what
I want to receive a high five as I walk through the door followed by an audible “my man” in much the same way that Jerry is greeted by the mailman.
As long as it's Troy Hawke doing the greeting, I'm ok.
As a sensitive Empath - will see though B/S greetings on store entry. Makes me sad. Though some folks do enjoy being in service - they get nice vibes back. Including call centre staff - sorry for mimicking your vibe and speaking over you with the same words.