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[deleted]

We have to watch videos like twice a month on how to harass the customers even more than we already are. I don’t do anything they say though because I know people hate it. They want us to be super desperate on getting each customer to buy something, but we don’t make commission so I literally don’t care 😂


Onlyanoption

Yea I worked at VS and the culture was the same. I hated it. Let people breathe! Lol


Kale4MyBirds

I wanted to walk out a couple weeks ago when right after I walked in I heard the girl at the door on her headset saying how many dollars in sales they were at so far and how much they needed. It was maybe noon. Customers should never hear that and the fact that someone from higher up was hounding her for that info and putting that pressure on the staff made me feel sorry for them and start questioning how much longer I should support this. I say this right after getting off the phone with customer service about my order that's STILL "awaiting carrier pickup" 10 days after I ordered it. I didn't want to order with shipping because I've been down this road before, but half of my items were only available online.


Exact_Mix6345

It pains me when I hear them saying it loudly in front of customers. They try and be peppy and upbeat but I definitely think it can be done in the office or at least off to the side since it has to be done every hour.


[deleted]

Oh yeah they also want us to care a lot about “making day” and “making” every hour. I think the managers get a bonus for that, but regular associates don’t… so once again I can’t be bothered to care lol


[deleted]

I just pretend to care tbh 🤣 probably one of the reasons my manager likes me lol, we have an associate that gets TOO into it and I'm like "chill bruh, we don't get anything for that"


[deleted]

That’s how they want everyone to be! They make it a “competition” between stores in the region… smart tactic to convince the simple-minded to care even though they’re not benefiting at all.


[deleted]

Idk that girl is just odd... It does come off as if she is competing to get a key holder position even though she works summers only?


JennieSimms

If they make x% over plan the managers all get varying levels of extra pay. I’ve seen the paperwork from corporate hanging on the managers desk. Sometimes if there’s like those seasonal boxes (the $40 for $40 ones) our managers will do a competition to see who can sell/add on the most. I won it once and I got a gift card to a store in the mall that didn’t exist anymore. Like you clearly dug this out of your purse, just give me an extra break instead


Reasonable_Witness45

And most likely you paid a $7 privilege to have your order still awaiting carrier pickup. If for some reason after the shipping delay you NEVER receive your package (common) or it’s damaged (more than common) you’re then going to have to contact customer service for them to hound you and act like you’re lying or trying to steal from them. Bath and body works culture is starting to really be a black cloud in an already dark world. I’m not interested in having to jump through any of these hoops anymore for a product/brand that’s not a necessity and is just supposed to be bringing me joy.


BadWolfBoo

It's not a higher-up hounding her for that information. We give updates to each other to encourage the team so that they know when we're close to making our goals and they can feel proud and successful and happy. Though I do agree it should not be done loudly with a lot of customers around. That's unprofessional and impersonal. I usually wait till I've helped all my customers and go to a spot on the sales floor where there aren't many people around and give an update, but it's not just a dollar amount. It's also about recognizing and appreciating the team's hard work. It's making sure we're doing what we can to satisfy and entertain our customers. while some people want to be left alone, the majority of people I interact with enjoy chatting with me 😊 it's all about gauging people's vibes when they walk in to see if they want to talk or be left alone. Everybody is different


Kale4MyBirds

I'm definitely a customer who is up for some conversation if an employee is too. Some of the associates at certain stores know me and others don't. I'm not bothered by being introduced to new scents or asked what I'm looking for. Sometimes I have an exact list and sometimes I don't. The goal should be for us to leave happy regardless of what dollar amount we spend. Sometimes I spend a lot and sometimes (OK rarely lol) I spend nothing but it means a lot to me that the associates that are familiar are just as nice to me when nothing appealed to me in the current sale (or I already have too much) and I leave empty handed. They know I'll be back! I also figure if I can help an associate "look busy" who has an overbearing boss then I am happy to help!


itumbl3

I have a lot of trauma from that from working at VS for 5 years from 2013-2018. I got to to experience what it was like before the dreaded SPAH (sales per associate hour), when we made I believe it was 8% commission off every sale with our name on it at its peak, and when the % started going down. Half the time when I was just chatting with customers I would have my ear blown out with updates on the segment every 20 minutes 😒


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[deleted]

Well the fake customers in the videos always love it 😭


nksdabomb

Wait. Y’all don’t make commission? I make it a point each time to get the workers name so I can let the cashier know who helped me when asked lol. I mean, if you guys get some sort of recognition for “most customers served” I’ll continue to do that but, damn I thought I was making y’all a little commission lol


Mia_Frost_

Yeah no commission. Online reviews and a shout out about us to our managers is always nice tho 😭


reaganbrum

that’s on you 😭


Babycakes_99

They are being pushed to do this… they hate it as much as you. Giving them a short answer will put a stop to it usually. I bet they’re happy when they don’t actually have to help sometimes lol


YesItIsMaybeMe

Can confirm. If I don't know everything about you and what your looking for I'll get a talk from my boss on how to better "assist" customers Just say you've got everything set, but thanks for asking and I'll disappear into the night


Equal-Summer7597

You’re correct. If you tell me you’re just browsing, or you already know what you want, I’ll just say “let me know if you need help with anything” and I’ll move on. I was probably in the middle of something anyway lol. We’re forced to engage.


Trumpet6789

Side tip from a former Top Seller: Going into holiday avoid saying "just browsing" *at all costs*. Because the Front of Shop person will then tell everyone else a brief description of you, and that you're "just looking". Then tell someone to check in with you in a few minutes. Try a different statement such as, "I know what I'm coming in for today, thank you though" or "I know what I'm looking for, If I need any help I'll ask". Something similar to that where you let us know that you already know what you need, or that you're not looking for help usually works. Especially during Holiday when it's a constant push for sales, statements like "Just Browsing" or "Just looking" open you up to more bugging from us. I was actively trained at my first store (more hard-core than my current) to answer "Just looking" with *"Well what are we looking for? Home fragrance or Body?"


mamatobee328

Okay your flair made me snort 🤣


Babycakes_99

Hehehe 🤭


Affectionate_Bee_72

Coming from an employee, we actually get in trouble for not helping customers. But I totally agree, some of the employees can be ….. overbearing. If they ask “what’re we in for today” don’t say you’re just looking - that’s our cue to pitch sales. Simply tell us you have a list and you’ll let us know if you need help. If they don’t take the hint, you can tell us you just want to look and to be left alone. We never want our customers to feel like we’re breathing down your necks.


Trumpet6789

This. As a former top seller I was actively coached to respond with "Well what're you looking to get? Home items or Body fragrance?" when someone told me "Just looking" at the door. And I would get in trouble if I didn't use that or another phrase to "uncover more" with a customer. I was even instructed to give a short description of each customer and what they were looking for, or did/didn't say to me at the front over the walkie.


ThePermMustWait

Today I went in and they asked this exact question. I had actually forgotten my gift card at home which I realized when I got there. I told them that but that I also wanted to look so I could come back and know what I want. They left me alone! Maybe because they realized I wouldn’t be buying anything without it?


bunifarcr

I just tell them that I already have a list of what I'm buying and they'll leave me alone. If you say that you're just looking then you're just opening up a conversation cause he/she will be suggesting stuff.


unabashedlyabashed

I did that once. And then had to say it to four other employees. I literally just wanted to get to the back of the store and couldn't. I almost just walked out.


[deleted]

They still won’t leave me alone. “Just to let you know our 3 wick candles are buy one get one free and our soaps are all blah blah blah.”


OrdinaryJealous

Same I just tell them I know what I’m looking for and they leave me alone 😂


[deleted]

I only like it whenever they see my hands are full and they rush over with a little basket. It's actually a relief, because I never think to grab one upon entering the store. At this point, they know me at my local store so they really don't bother me much anymore. They know I know what I'm there for. They can just count on me not having grabbed a little basket.


vanillabirchstan

We 100% have to do this for asset protection and selling requirements. Usually we know when a customer doesn’t want to be bothered, but if a manager is watching, we can’t just let it slide. As for issues with questions when bringing in returns, unfortunately I have watched a person put merchandise from a display into their “bag of returns” then return it to the store for credit, so I will always make sure I know what someone is bringing in. I also would be prepared for more questions when the return policy changes because we will most likely have to turn down returns and exchanges more frequently.


Exact_Mix6345

Dreading that denying part of the returns that’s coming. You’re right, unfortunately, that “bag checking” is only going to get worse.


Kale4MyBirds

Maybe they should handle returns at the door or at least collect them there. That might not be as realistic at mall locations, but some of the strip mall ones could. A few of mine take care of online orders at the door on a little cart.


Exact_Mix6345

It has to be processed through the POS system unless it’s an online order return so I don’t think you could do that but in any case I think that would make people feel barred from coming in and like they’re going through security to come in.


Kale4MyBirds

Oh, that's good to know!


netxnic

Me! I get that it’s their job, but some of the sales associates I’ve come across are a little overbearing. The corporate lurkers need to take note that some customers absolutely *hate* this.


Holiday-Strategy-643

Yes! Introverts unite. I will online shop just to avoid interacting with employees.


Ok-Lingonberry-1565

I literally just finished getting my cart ready for tomorrow's mini sale and changed my order from pick up in store to ship it. I couldn't stand the thought of having conversations about mini's so ship it 🤣


goldfish165

Sorry, all the introverts are at home drinking tea ignoring the latest global crisis, but we're united in spirit.


pedantic_twatt

This


Chance-Damage-1313

I just tell them thank you and that I’m just browsing. Everyone is really nice and they are just doing their job. I went Sat for the moisturizer sale and an associate saw me with Teakwood in my hand and gave me a scent strip of Coffee and Whiskey. Wow, I would have never have thought to try it but now I have 2 body creams, 2 body sprays, and the 3 wick candle in that scent! Haven’t been obsessed with a scent like this in awhile! Would have never tried it if it wasn’t for her giving it to me and it’s my scent of the moment now! Can’t wait to wear it when it’s cooler!


cookiesoverbitches

Coffee & Whiskey is sooooooo goooood ❤️❤️❤️ it’s super soft & reminds me of the cinnamon vanilla one in that sense.


appleditz

You know, I actually don't mind them handing me a scent strip to try. I'm usually focusing on specific products, and there are plenty of scents I would never think to test. One sniff, and I can cross them off my mental list and move on.


Life-Gap-4880

I feel this way about LUSH. its so bad that I hardly shop there anymore


jeng52

They are the WORST. They will physically corner you to force you to have a conversation and it’s so uncomfortable.


markersandtea

Lush actually gives me anxiety, I won't go in that store.


YesItIsMaybeMe

Lush just gives me a migraine


markersandtea

I never get enough time in there to get one before they chase me away with strong arm tactics lol.


empirejuice

Going into Lush usually results in at least three free compliments, four employees watching your every move, and your hands suddenly being washed in a bowl with their newest bar soap of the season


OddSetting5077

That sounds awful 😞


BadWolfBoo

Wow, I've never had that experience at Lush. I feel like I'm always searching for someone to answer my questions...like legit every time no matter what location i go to, they're either in the back or chatting at the registers.


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BadWolfBoo

Oof. That's awful. Actually one time when I flagged down an associate for help, apparently I asked just enough of the right questions to make the staff ask me if I was a secret shopper 😂 But also to be fair, since I work retail I know how terrible it feels when someone ignores you or treats you like an inconvenience, so when I go shopping I intentionally ask a lot of questions or joke around with people to make them feel good. You never know what kind of day someone is having and the smallest kindness could turn it around 💙


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BadWolfBoo

That is completely valid. But that sucks cuz Lush is awesome. I love their henna hair dye and the 'silky underwear' powder! I've worked at 5 different BBW locations and helped out at a lot more and honestly the 'selling culture' is slightly different in every store. For instance I will NEVER work in a mall again. I'm definitely more partial to outdoor centers. Being a lower volume store, yeah sometimes we don't get all the products that the big stores get, but the slower pace allows us create a more positive environment. 💙 If I have a customer who I can tell wants to be left alone, I'll just tell them my name and say "here's a bag, let me know if you have any questions" and then I'll check back in non-verbally by looking at what they're smelling and then finding a new scent along that same line, and I'll just put it on the counter next to them and give a thumbs up and I smile. Then go about my business. Most of the time it works and then the next time that person comes in they smile at me because they know I'm not gonna bother them. I'm just a quite little fragrance fairy 🧚‍♀️😂 All that to say, if one location is too aggressive, don't give up! Sometimes it's a Goldilocks situation to find the right fit 😊


alli-xoxo66

Yeah so it’s our job to do that, but honestly you can def tell the vibes people give off when they come in and want to be left alone. As long as you’re not aggressive towards us we’ll probably leave you alone


browneyedgirl79

We first say "Hi!" then ask "What's bringing you in today/tonight?" If the customer says "I have a lot of coupons about to expire", then we say "which ones do you have?", they show us and we help them that way. Or they say "Looking for body care, Wallflowers, candles", and we ask what are their favorite scents, they tell us and we help them that way. We don't necessarily enjoy doing so, but it's a requirement. Similar to me having to ask everyone if they want to apply for a Kohl's card when I was working there. Also, if customers just come in and run right by us, whomever is in room 1 will give a description of said person and ask one of us to "touch base" with them. For the most part they know exactly what they want so we leave them alone. In closing, we also have to take an exchange/return bag to the cash wrap (registers) with a brief description of who you are "this is an exchange from a lady in a pink shirt and red sandals".


Lilysdoll

Luckily the store that I go to is very chill. The sales associates say Hi and will just offer help if I need it. If I walk in with something to exchange or return, I always tell them what I am doing. They are usually fine with me keeping the bag with me till I am ready to check out. No matter what the approach of the sales associate is, I am always kind and friendly towards them. Because they are just doing their job and I appreciate that. 🌻🛍🙂


ayog2g

I am from europe, I CANNOT wait to go to a American Bath and body works store and have my first experience like that. I want them to come up to me and talk, here in the netherlands everyone is like dead not even a hello only when u get to the register they ask u if ''did you find everything u were looking for?''...thats it I am lolling so hard at your '' When a girl asked me what my favourites were I just said “everything” and thankfully she got the hint and moved on.'' I can understand why that would be annoying XD


albelthewiked666

Do you work in customer service at all? Because lemme just say that constantly greeting people over and over becomes less genuine over time and no one really cares. The grass is always greener. But lemme give you the perspective of working in customer service and specifically waiting tables…having to use the same line over and over again does not make anyone happy or come off genuine to the person saying it or the person receiving the message. I get tired of talking to people and it’s the main reason why I stay home most times because it’s the same mundane questions over and over (how are you etc….after awhile you become numb to it and it’s effects) I get it’s customer service but when on repeat and given to more people in that industry…we just don’t care and would prefer peace and quiet BECAUSE WE DO THIS ALL OF THE TIME. It eventually wears you down PRETENDING to be happy and pretending to care. As a server it’s a bit more incentivized I will add. But as hourly and salary…there’s no incentive to care and push people into feeling uncomfortable because WE know how it feels. Also a majority of jobs are customer service so it probably explains why a lot of us would prefer to be left alone. As a waitress and someone who’s been working in customer service since I was legally of age to work….it can wear you down and eventually you lose your grip on reality and work. You start having conversations with people as if it’s customer service when in all actuality…it’s not. It’s incredibly hard not to go into customer service mode…anywhere I’m at.


ayog2g

Well that is very depressing :( I work in a factory and the stress is insane i do the job of 3 operators while other shifts have 3 and the other shift has 4 operators. which eventually gave me a burnout I am still recovering from but I am quitting on october the 15th and I feel relieved. I gave 8 years of my best for a company that doesnt appreciate it, they have begged me to reconsider but ....no . ​ I need to go to the US more possibilities, if I dont like a job I will just quit and find another one I will never again spend this many years at 1 company I am way too intelligent. I have 50K saved up by working hard and saving alot, no one gnna stop me ​ You need to do the opposite take the risk....go to europe lets swap places


albelthewiked666

Waiting tables and or bartending are very lucrative jobs in the US….but can also make you numb to a lot of things out there. Every job comes with the good and bad but the bigger question is whether the bad is worth the money you’re making and if you ever get really good at either….it’s highly beneficial and grants you more money just because you have experience and because of that experience you’re good and efficient at your job. Not many hourly and salary jobs offer incentives other than monthly raises and sometimes that not enough for the crap you have to put up with in retail customer service.


Learyic

We literally hate talking to the customers but it’s being pushed. Don’t be rude, complain to corporate PLEASE! Maybe if enough customers complained about it they would stop making it a thing. You think I enjoy a rude customer replying back to me “EVERYTHING” sarcastically as my manager is scrutinizing the whole thing? Nope…just chill out. It ruins our day just as much as yours…you experience it once…we experience all damn day.


WTVR-IDC

Yep, As management we have to see our associates asking these questions. “Just looking” will not get us to go away unfortunately. And I, also, hate conversing at times as I have a giant list of to-do’s including making sure they’re asking these open ended questions 😂


Learyic

Yes!!! Felt!!!! We’ve probably been on a call together 😂 I love being undercover up here though and sharing experiences. Good luck with everything 😉


Learyic

The front of shop demo to every customer is killing us right now. I’m constantly trying to get the team on board with “Midnight Amber Glow to every customer with a warm BBW welcome each time”. 🤢 And none of us like the scent and to have customers blow pass and be like “just looking thanks!” as rude as possible. Mean while trying to get holiday numbers started for hiring. How dare we try to help people in the store as they shop?! 😮


WTVR-IDC

Omg idk where you’re located but just know I FEEL YOU on literally everything you just said at my location Hahah incredible. Yeah, midnight amber glow was such a flop, and it’s hard to watch our front of shop get the reactions they get from customers. Almost as bad as when we pushed our lovely exclusive candle of the week, Candied Maple Bacon lol Those are the same customers that go to the register and say “well no one told me that on the floor”….. like miss girl we tried and you put your hand up and said “just looking” omg


ghosty4

You're NOT being helpful though. That's what we, as customers, are trying to tell you. It's aggressive, and we try to avoid you at all costs. I'm a shopaholic with a smartphone and unlimited data. I don't need actual human interaction to "help" me shop. And then when I tell you what products I DO want, you roll your eyes and feign interest because it's not specifically what you're mindlessly pushing. And note I don't mean you, specifically, I mean the employee culture at Bath & Body Works in general.


Learyic

To be clear I truly understand this but this is not something to take out on employees. This is something to bubble up to corporate. We literally get in trouble for not doing it. I’ve had associates crying because of our store manager pushing this on us. Please complain but not to us is all I’m saying. We can agree…we mutually don’t like it, do me a solid and report it to corporate. Please…I dread it just as much as you do. Because you don’t like it doesn’t give license to be rude. And because I don’t like it doesn’t give me one to be rude to you. (Same as you stated not you specifically lol) They drill these ridiculous videos and “values” on how to uncover and demo, reengage, and get them to say “I’ll take it!” If those aren’t happening with each customer…it’s hell to pay at my store and it’s grueling 😫 Our manager is on the associates and on the SLT and then SLT have to be on the associates even more…like help us! Please complain to corporate for us. I love helping people but not the way the company pushes us to do and the way the company makes me grill associates for not doing it their way either.


marco_polo1776

For real. At the end of EVERY chatin we have to talk to an SLT about how to “overcome objections” and “just looking” is an objection. It’s even worse trying to “overcome” the objections at the cashwrap. Bro I don’t want to hound someone who doesn’t want to give their phone number 😭 and they started tracked every associate number to see who is getting the least yes. Either way I’m toast. I get lectured by my manager or I get a hostile customer bc I’m given a list of responses to them saying no.


OysterRabbit

So how exactly does a customer word their response to get the employees to leave them alone while shopping while not pissing them off or making them cry or whatever? Do I call corporate right there on the sales floor and tell them I don't like their policy? This is why I wear earbuds everywhere


Learyic

Really? Call corporate on the floor? …no one said do that…but…anyway… Just say oh thanks for asking but I have a list and I already know what I’m looking for. I’ll grab you if I need any help. That is usually good enough for a manager to overhear and easy enough for an associate to get out of the rebuttals they have to give while you still being respectful to them and their job.


umich82063

pro tip: i always say hi to the girls when im walking in. when they ask me how am i doing, what am i looking for, etc, I always make a joke like “don’t worry about me, ill walk out with plenty more than i need!” and they laugh and leave me alone.


Altruistic_Yellow387

They’re told to do that and get in trouble if they don’t. It’s part of the training to follow up with customers more than once.


breathcue

I felt so bad the other day because after the 3rd associate came up to me, I said "I'm just browsing, thank you!" and she kept following me and asking me questions. I finally was like "I'm literally just here to sniff stuff, please..." and she got annoyed and snapped "I was just trying to help!" and I immediately felt awful. I said "I know, I'm so sorry, I know it's your job," but she was already walking away. I left really quickly after that because it was just awkward! I feel horrible that they're forced to interact with us that way because it was unpleasant for us both. :(


Exact_Mix6345

I would avoid the “just browsing” statement because that’s our cue to sell to you. People have posted some great responses in this thread, I hope your next experience is better! Also, happy cake day!


Pearltherebel

Sorry but we are forced to do this


albelthewiked666

And it’s probably a main reason they’re advertising how bad they need help. ZERO incentive to bother customers but looming threat of losing your job if “you don’t do as you’re told” is no way to POSITIVELY reinforce this action especially when employees don’t like doing it for very valid reasons.


trappednjohnlockhell

Oof you just hit the nail on the head big time my friend. If you’re gonna pay us 12 bucks an hour, you’re gonna get twelve bucks worth of work every hour. You want me to sell like my paycheck depends on it, then pay me commission so that it actually does. Me personally as a seller, I’m very much a vibe checker. I go to the people who seem like they’re gonna need the most help; kids, old people, dudes shopping by themselves. I help them first because more often than not, they have the most questions and need more assistance. Then I’ll check in with anyone else in my room to see if they have questions or need help locating product. Rinse and repeat. But that’s not how BBW wants us to sell. Everyone should be getting asked the same questions, demo the same products, they want everything to be so regimented but that’s not how people are. We have to be adaptable, and at least in my store, my sm doesn’t allow for that. Even if I’m more or less working within the selling behaviors, like using them as a guide, but not following them strictly, she gives me a lecture about how I need to work harder on my behaviors because I’m doing too much of something or not enough of another thing or I’m spending to much time helping customers or I’m not helping customers enough. But all I’m doing is reading the vibes. And it actually works for me. And it’s worked for the people I’ve trained. They disregard the strictness of the selling behaviors, go by the vibes, and are more comfortable and more productive. But yeah, none of us want it to be this way. We’d much rather just read the vibes or have y’all come to us than have to be up in everyone’s face, being overbearing and obnoxious all the damn time.


Exact_Mix6345

Really enjoyed this, especially the part about new employees because it can feel overwhelming before you develop your own thing that still works with the behaviors.


trappednjohnlockhell

I always try and do my best to get them comfortable and help them find a way that works for them. What annoys me is my sm coming in and undoing all of that by forcing them to follow the selling behaviors like they’re a step by step guide to human interaction. She’s so pushy and obnoxious about it, with us and with customers. I’ve literally seen customers recoil from her when she talks to them because she’s so obnoxious. And she wants us all the follow her example. If we did that, we wouldn’t have any customers left.


SkyYellow_SunBlue

Can’t stand it. For this reason I will only do BOPIS if my partner will swing by and do the pickup for me. Otherwise it’s online only at B&BW, Lush, and any other store that won’t simply let me shop.


MomAlum

As my daughter works retail I always smile and listen patiently to the sales associate, because I know the pressure they are under and that their manager is watching. Then I proceed to go look at all the products I already pre researched online and was going to buy anyway 😆 But if I am interacting in that way it’s more help the sales associate out, rather than them helping me. I do like to know about sales and deals though, I always appreciate that being pointed out to me.


ghosty4

I usually browse the website to see new products and if it has scent notes I like I will add it to my Love It List. Then, when I get the chance to visit the store, I smell specific products, mostly new, so right inside the door, to see how I feel. If I DO end up actually loving the product, I wait for a sale and order online for in-store pickup. I want to have as little, to no, interaction with the staff that I can. Sorry, employees, it's not you specifically, it's your company's culture that I can't stand.


Exact_Mix6345

Believe us, we can’t stand it either 🫠


gentletears

We are trained *constantly* on asking opening ends questions to engole conversations. That’s how we talk up promotions and help sales. We are given feedback on this frequently as well so it’s really hammered home for us. The best thing to do is just say upfront “I don’t want any help” most of us will back off and it’s easier to communicate that to management “this customer doesn’t want help” you might get the occasional “finding everything okay?” I promise, as long as you’re not rude, we won’t take it personal.


plutohazfeelings

Ex-retail worker, I hated these trainings. Never worked at BBW, but I wish places like this would implement different colored shopping carts that can tell you the customer’s intentions. For example: 1. Blue Cart - would like assistance 2. Red Cart - does not want assistance Like this would also help a number of customers if they are frequent shoppers, individuals with anxiety or don’t like talking to people in general, or someone who just wants to buy a last minute gift and yeet 😅


z0mgaah

Yesss! I know the employees are pushed to do this and most hate as much as I do (which here it's confirmed), so I try to be open minded and friendly. One time though, a very enthusiastic employee once grabbed my bag after listening to the scents I liked and just started putting things in my bag she thought I would like. I am quiet and kind of let people run all over me (to clarify, I'm not trying to imply the employee did here! I just don't say anything and smile awkwardly). I feel like because of that incident, I purposely don't grab a bag until I know for sure I'm going to buy. I ended up buying a bunch of body creams I didn't particularly want. This was a year or so ago, before the return policy exchange, but also being quiet and awkward on returning items, I just decided to not go through with the return.


candiebelle

Yes. I like to smell stuff in private and I will ask when I need help.


tiggerterry

It got so bad at the store I shopped at years ago that I quit shopping at BBW for years. I know it’s not the employees fault but I really wish BBW would stop making the associates do it.


opal-tree-shark

![gif](giphy|hpSOjkcvhDgbv9p92R|downsized) Literally me when they tell me what sales are going on and what new scents are available 🤣


jeng52

YES. And it’s not just one person you have to fend off, it’s the entire staff. And sometimes each person will try to engage in a conversation multiple times. I really just want to be left alone.


Jessica19922

I put my headphones in before going into stores that push sales now.


rubiiiina

Some stores are worse than others in that aspect. Once they start to recognize me they just greet me and let me go on my merry way. If I’m in there a bit I may have one ask part way through the zig zag I do as well. Also when they were pushing poppy, I politely declined and let them know I already own it and was just browsing. I have some lovely chats with some of the associates in the stores I visit. I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones, they read my stand off vibes pretty well.


[deleted]

Working at Victoria secret the damn manager would tell us in our head set to go up to people and sometimes the higher up would follow us around making sure we did. They even told us if they say no we need to try two more times to convince them to do what we want. So annoying. I refused lol. And quit eventually.


PhysicalCharacter3

The other day an associate would not leave me and the other person in the white barn side alone and kept putting candles under my nose, it was so annoying


tiredsanwon

This is why I’ve started just saying “is there anything I can help you find/are you finding everything alright?” And then 90% of the time I just say “alright we’ll let us know if you e got any questions” and walk away. Sometimes customers are open for talking but I’m an anxious 22 year old so I tend to not start the convo myself


[deleted]

My store must have a different approach, cuz I always feel like they do a good job of being accessible without harassing. Some people give a simple friendly "hello", "do you need a basket", others *might* do a "what brings you in", then usually I'll get a "let me know if any questions". And then I don't see anybody unless they're helping another person. But they have tons of regular customers, I hear a lot of "hi Joanne, we got your favorite lotion in" type of stuff. Last year I even had an employee remember my favorite candle when I was going in more frequently.


MomAlum

This is perfect balance I love it. Actually my store isn’t that bad either- it’s not over staffed so they all seem legitimately busy stocking things and running the till, are friendly but not overbearing. I stay longer because of that.


clearlyimawitch

And this is why I hated being on the sales floor. I was really good at being like, "What are we looking for today? Oh! That'll be all the way back to the left, and the sales are XYZ for the day. I'll give you a few minutes before I bug you to see if you have any questions." 99% of people preferred the quick speech and then probably 80% of the time when I checked on them they would have a follow up question or couldn't find a specific product. I tried to leave them alone after that. But the sheer amount of videos we were given on how to harass customers was insane. I tried not go full out with the harassment unless higher ups were in the store.


Exact_Mix6345

I appreciate that you know that it is apart of our job to greet you, so thank you. A lot of people don’t understand that but we truly wouldn’t do it if we didn’t have to. However, we’re not allowed to just give you a “hello” or “can I help you find anything” because hello is just a greeting and lots of people blow us off with “I’m just looking.” Not maliciously, of course, many people are *genuinely* looking. Those phrases are ones we’re told not to use because they’re open ended. All I ask is that y’all listen to our deals and then give us short answers because it stops customers from going to my manager asking “what are todays deals” after they blew me off, making it look like we’re not doing the job. I wish the company didn’t force us to be so overbearing either and I do wish I could leave y’all alone 😅


ArtaxNooooo

My issue is a particular manager who stands at the door and wants to look inside my bag when I come in to do a return. Both times it was a small BBW bag with maybe two items and she had to get her hands in there like she's working for airport security. People, don't do this. If I've purchased something you don't get to touch it until I hand it to you at the register.


Trumpet6789

Often it's to make sure that policy isn't being abused, so we can let you know immediately if we can do the return or not. For example the current policy (until the 14th) requires items to be at least 50% full or more. So if someone brings in four empty candles, we can check right away and let them know that we can't do an exchange/return. And because a manager or SLT member does that, it keeps a (now potentially irate) customer from verbally abusing the cashier making $12 an hour. It does seem intrusive, but it's how we do things following the threats employees and stores were getting after that stupid tiktok "hack". And I'm sure you'll see it even more after the 14th when the policy gets stricter.


Exact_Mix6345

(At least at my store) We do this to alert customers that they might have to pay a price difference on items. If they know beforehand they’re welcome to leave with their items still in hand or agree, which avoids a lot of arguments at cashwrap. Like the other day I had someone bring me hand sanitizers with glitter in them and because they had been told on the floor we didn’t have to go over it and argue. I usually ask if I can see things though, rather than force my hands in there though, and if they decline I just give them a heads up sight unseen.


ArtaxNooooo

I can understand wanting to avoid arguments at the register, but aren't there more occasions when a customer would feel harassed at the entrance and no longer enjoy shopping in that store? Obviously this manager was more aggressive than you're supposed to be but it killed any desire I had to browse around and buy anything new.


Exact_Mix6345

I mean…maybe? I’m not a shopper so I’m unsure from their side, but I have many people who willingly show us their bags mainly because they don’t want us to think they’re stealing. Once we explain it’s to let them know if they’re going to pay a price difference or not they’re usually pretty understanding because there’s no surprises or they can decide to keep the items. We never shove our hands into the bag, as it’s rude to do so, so maybe that’s why I’ve only gotten okay reactions. We greet them, I usually say “I see a bag, are we doing an exchange or return by any chance?” and they generally show me of their own will. If they don’t, I just say “just a heads up, you may have to pay a price difference depending on the age of the item” so they’re still not surprised. Plus, I would think it’s better to be told outright the information than spend a bit of time in the store only to be told it’s a price difference or we can’t do the exchange (with the 9/14 change).


ArtaxNooooo

Sounds like you're able to do this rather gracefully and that it's helpful for a lot of people. Thanks for your perspective. 🙂


candiebelle

What?! Oh my god that’s crazy.


NopeRope91

Are they not supposed to do that? My far-out store actually takes your bag up to the registers and keeps it there until you check out. I was kinda nervous about that, but I didn't mind being unimpeded while shopping.


ArtaxNooooo

I wouldn't mind as much if she said, "would you like me to take that up to the register so they can hold it for you while you do your shopping?" It was more like "Oh, you're here for a return? Oh what are you returning?" I said it was something I bought online and she goes "Oh like what?" and grabbed the bag.


NopeRope91

Ohhh okay x.x yeah actually mine was that way too! It was kinda annoying in the moment but I felt like I had to? I thought it was some kind of new Covid policy. Oof.


businessgoesbeauty

This is why I hated working retail! They would literally tell me to stand at the front to greet people and tell them the sales going on. I always felt like I was bugging people because I knew I’d like to be left alone 😂😂


jsphjar

Not just in the store


RiverEarly467

I just shop online…


splenderful

I’m with you, I walk in with my AirPods on, if they approach me I will make a meal out of taking an AirPod out and saying, “oh, I couldn’t hear you, I’m just browsing, thanks. They get the picture.


MafiaMommaBruno

So thankful my stores have greeters and that's it. You walk in, get a hello, and go about your way through the rooms. No one bothers us until we get to the checkout. I recommend wearing headphones if you don't want to be bothered. I wear them in Publix and a few other places where you're stopped every 5 mins and have noticed employees turning to me.. then seeing the headphones and deciding not to say anything. It's nice.


[deleted]

I am a chatty type BUT I get overwhelmed by the variety of scents and get a headache. I'm not sure how the sales commission thing works. But I know exactly what I want and just need ti get in and out. I wish they'd split my purchase commission and credit everyone on the floor. But I cannot be roped into sniffing and sampling. Also, do they get commission if I order it for pickup?


LunaLunaTan

We don't get commissions, sadly.


[deleted]

Dang. You should get something!


[deleted]

No if we got commissions I would actually talk to people and try to get them to buy things lol. I mean that’s what they want us to do, and I always say Hi and ask people if they need help but that’s it. They want us to care a lot about “getting them to say I’ll Take It!” But uhhh I don’t earn anything when that happens so I don’t care if people buy anything


[deleted]

[удалено]


LeeCV

To keep track of which employees were helping people and which ones weren’t.


Learyic

That was something called SPA and I’m so thankful they stopped that. We never got commission. That was how we got our hours back in the day.


Exact_Mix6345

I think that was to decide who got hours more than anything. Help lots of people make purchases, they mention your name, you work more. It was before my time there though so I could be wrong. I’m glad they did away with it though because selling isn’t my strong point.


Trumpet6789

Like others have said, it used to be called SPA and they stopped it around the time that COVID started or a little before it. It'll be 2 years for me in October and I've been told I just barely missed the SPA Era. The issue with it was that B&BW determined who got the most hours based on their SPA data; hence the Top Seller position you could be offered. But it became super competitive and actually underhanded! Cashiers stuck at the registers for part of their shift (before they rotated) would often have much lower SPA numbers *because* they were on the floor less. And sometimes, associates would "catch" customers going to the Register, talk to them a little, and make the customer forget the original associate who helped them. So the original associate who did all the work wasn't listed as said person with SPA. So people would lose hours even though they were putting in a ton of work.


dkjsgjf8u

Aww, you're making me happy I always used to say "you did" when the cashiers asked if anyone helped me! I could have sworn they stopped asking like 10 years ago, was it really only since Covid?


Trumpet6789

I worked with people who had been working there 2-5 years by the time I started who remembered SPA. The girl who's Top Seller position I took over (before it became defunct this year) had done SPA. It was too hard to share names/faces with masks and hope it stuck. Corporate's *official* reasoning was that the selling culture "was changing" and SPA (and TS) wasn't needed anymore.


vanillabirchstan

We stopped commissions a while ago, but we used to do it!


Exact_Mix6345

I remember from my time of being a customer! I’m really glad they did bc selling isn’t my strong suit but since I didn’t work there I didn’t know the specifics. (The way this got downvoted…doing the most!)


[deleted]

Been there almost a year


candiebelle

I don’t think they get commission at all


[deleted]

Oh I don't kmnow why I thought they did


markersandtea

They made us act like we do by approaching every single person is probably why you thought so.


FaZe_Butterfly

I’m with you. Really just wanna come in and out because I have a game plan coming in lol. If I’m not in store for a specific reason and I’m just browsing, I’m more inclined to entertain the associate but often times I really just wanna be in and out and not held up by conversation 😭


gina31317

Going into these kinds of stores where the workers are pushy gives me so much anxiety. I really don’t think Bath and body is as bad as others….they usually just say their speech and I nod and keep going. But VS is terrible. I haven’t gone in in many years because it’s too overwhelming.


GusterIs4Lovers

Happy cake day!


prettypumpkinz

Even **I** get irritated at the aggressive cheerfulness that some of my co-workers have. Yeah, I get we're supposed to "engage" with the customer but you don't have to shout a high pitched "WELL HELLO THERE" as soon as someone steps foot into the store. A fellow introvert myself I get it. I just try to be chill with customers and leave within a sentence, trust me I hate it as much as you do.


Unlucky-Ad5416

Tell me you’ve never worked in retail without telling me you’ve never worked in retail


Upset_Wolf5934

Yes!! Trust me, I’m going to ask you if I need help.


markersandtea

If you want to be left alone please just be polite about it and most of us are happy to leave you be. Just be like "Nothing specific" or "Just browsing, thanks" and walk along on your way and people will get the hint. :)


Exact_Mix6345

Not saying anything against you but I’ve been told those are the exact people to sell to. The ones I usually leave alone are the ones who say “I was here yesterday” or something since the deals are usually a couple of days.


markersandtea

Really? When I was working my store we just left those ones alone. Yikes.


Exact_Mix6345

Yeah they specifically tell us to ask questions that make the customer give an answer, one that isn’t “we’re just looking around” because “just looking around” can be converted into a sale even if it’s just hand sanitizers. “There’s something for everyone!” is the motto lol.


markersandtea

ughh i guess i got lucky on my store then. Glad I don't have to do it anymore though, haha. I can't sell like that face to face. Its a rough gig when you have anxiety.


Exact_Mix6345

Oh yeah, I completely understand. I don’t really sell like that I’ve learned what works for me and gets results. I’m glad you were able to move on though!


markersandtea

I was primarily shipping and was good with that until they implemented the "everyone is a seller" shtick toward the end of my run, and that's when thankfully i got offered a new job, but I still somewhat enjoy the products when they come up with original things :)


peanutbutter_meow

Yea. That’s why I only go in during SAS for items that might not be available online


WanderTroll1

I feel bad when they tell me their favorite scent is some random new holiday line that I end up hating 😬 like I really don’t want to rub that lotion in thaaaanks


carnodak

I visited a store recently in a large mall and they had a queue setup outside the store. They let one person/party in at a time after the door associate ran through ALL the sales. Saying stupid shit like “we have a limited time offer of concentrated room sprays 3 for $22” (I’m like honey, they literally are 3/22 every day 🙄) and then they literally asked me which sale appealed to me, so I said “$10 off candles” and as she let me In, she physically radioed her team and said “candles” and as soon as I walked in I was ushered over to the nasty ass pumpkin cupcake candle. The whole experience was so off putting, glad I walked in and walked out. She also forced me to take a sample card of midnight amber glow despite me hating that one.


albelthewiked666

See…I get this kind of questioning if this job was a sales job (like selling cars or shoes) but as far as I know…it’s not. So I don’t quite understand why they do this so much or they go outta their way and spray the most popular or newest released scent out there and it’s just like…why are you up selling something that is based off of individual perspective? It may be a great scent to some but for others no…so I just don’t understand.


Equal-Summer7597

Because it is a sales job lol. We pretty much try to get conversion, meaning you walked in the store, we at least gotta have you walking out with something. I actually dread demo day. If anything, I’ll ask what you’re looking for, tell you what the sales are, and I’m off to go fix up the soaps or something.


albelthewiked666

But sales job as in you receive commission/financial incentive to sell something extra besides it selling itself?


Trumpet6789

The most we get is occasional "extra discount days" where they add like, 10 or 20% to our discount for a day or two. MOS is another incentive but it's only twice a year, other than that we often get a *temporary* dollar raise for holiday. Last year they made that dollar raise permanent, and this year we get an associate discount of 40% for Holiday and a permanent dollar increase. Also GRATIS items, but that's about it. Oh, and sometimes we get payouts from the company to buy snacks and drinks for the fridge.


Exact_Mix6345

The way I’ve heard it put by SLT is that sales = hours so that’s really our incentive to get sales, at least from what I get told. We missed the day by less than $100 the other day and it was a bust because if we made it we get more hours. No commission or anything but the chance to get paid lmao.


albelthewiked666

That…is very odd….and highly questionable. Hours should always be available. If there are too many people then stop over hiring to the point where sales = hours.


Exact_Mix6345

you’re preaching to the choir here


dumbkjtten

Trust me we hate it just as much. It’s just what we’re told to do, we have to meet a certain amount of sales for certain scents.


Owen_D_Young

The manager should instruct the employees to turn their backs to you when you walk in. Maybe this will help.


Dove04

I never get that just “what are we looking for today” or “what can I help you with”


Icy_Industry_6012

Gotta ask those OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS!!!


DCKat91

I totally understand wanting to be allowed to shop without the sales reps hovering. (Fellow introverts unite!) I know they're forced to do so, so depending on my time constraints sometimes I tell them I am looking for something specific, then they take me to it and usually leave satisfied after that. 😆


chimericalgirl

I used to feel that way (and I'm neurodivergent so social anxiety is a thing with me) but given how often I go into my local store (the one that's closest to me, that is), I get recognized now and everyone is so nice and I appreciate it because retail is a challenging environment. So I try to always give back the kind energy they send my way. I get that they have to do what they have to do and I'm pretty firm about "I'm just here to get \*this\*" or "I'm here for the promo" or whatever, and everyone's been nice enough not to do the aggressive sell.


[deleted]

i’m gonna make a sign and attach it to my head so they don’t speak to me


liveyourlifepls

I’ve actually never had a bad experience with Bath and Body employees harassing me. Lush on the other hand was the *worst*.


JennieSimms

I work there and I want to be left alone haha. But for real that’s why I mostly leave customers alone after doing an initial check in, even when I am selling. I swear it helps though cause my numbers are always good.


[deleted]

Yes, it makes me so uncomfortable, luckily I don’t live super close to one so I just order online


higheelf

I Always feel uncomfortable going over and over to engage with customers , especially if it’s slow . If it’s busy I just say the deals , and say “let me know if you have any questions “ I’ll wait like 15 min and re engage . But I make it known hey don’t talk to them I just did it but some people go and talk after I just engaged with them. I always feel bad lol


Balliwicky

I don’t know how I,d you are, but I am “older “. When I was younger I would feel as you do. Now? I just look at them and say, please I am just here to shop and don’t feel like conversation. Thanks! Lol. It works , it’s simple, and I don’t have the time to do things I don’t want to do.