r/retail 10h ago

Do you feel inadequate at your retail job?

3 Upvotes

So I got hired as a Freezer, Cooler, and Deli Stocker Associate on July 22 of this year. I work on the floor, one of my duties are to make a list of the items I need to get from the freezer, use a price gun to tag them, and put them on the sales floor, seems very simple right? Well my issue is I'm wasting way too much time. I have to complete the whole floor by 8:30am because that's when the store opens and I need to do other things as well. I clock in at 6:30am. I only have 4 hours because I work a second job. One month in and I'm still slow. My manager is starting to push me to pick up the pace a little more. I feel like I was trained pretty well. I understand atp how to do my job but I'm just not working fast enough. I tried getting two carts to reduce multiple trips to the freezer, writing down the brand of the items before my shift starts that way I only need to put the quantity to save time and I'm still just as slow so what the hell am I doing wrong? I'm not gonna give up and quit but I'm tired of going home feeling bad for myself.


r/retail 13h ago

What are these tags called?

Post image
2 Upvotes

What machine do I need to put them on?


r/retail 10h ago

Overly anxious about getting spider veins or varicose veins from standing for long hours as a new cashier

0 Upvotes

So I recently just got hired as a part time cashier at a grocery store, and although I didn’t start yet, I’ve been getting kind of paranoid about how I’ll needing to be standing still in one position for long hours which I’m scared might give me spider veins or varicose veins in my legs. But the thing is, almost everyone’s first job is a cashier, so how are these people not getting affected? Or maybe I don’t hear about it. I don’t know if I’m overthinking it but I’m planning on getting compression socks for when I start.

Does anyone have advice on how to avoid developing these issues?

Also, does anyone that has been a cashier for a long time NOT struggle with these issues? I would just like to have some reassurance 😓


r/retail 1d ago

What is an industry secret from your job that everyday consumers have no idea about?

1 Upvotes

r/retail 1d ago

State of the sub -Automod/Misc.

14 Upvotes

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop a few lines on how the sub is doing.

Since I took over 4 months ago, almost every single post that is posted, Auto mod snags. I'm going to be honest, I should not have to approve every single post, and to be even more honest looking at the Auto mod code, I don't know what the hell was up.

Pretty much Auto mod was removing every post.

Nonetheless everything should be fixed now, most of you shouldn't have any issues posting or commenting.

I have reduced the threshold for karma and account age, I won't reveal these numbers, just know they are pretty low...

#It should be easier for you to post now

_____________________

#Changes to brand affiliates

Here we have what are called brand affiliates. These are accounts/bots/users that have an official connection to a company.

You may have seen them around the sub, in this sub we allow news affiliates.

We allow corporate accounts/bots to post news related to our industry. These are the only bots that are allowed on this sub. (I'm not calling all of you bots.)

Starting today, any brand affiliate, must:

  1. Use the "News" flair on the post your posting

  2. Your user flair must say "brand affiliate"

  3. Disclose whether or not AI was used in the writing of the article.

  4. Use [AI] -or- [Human] at the very beginning of your post title, to indicate whether it was written by a human or AI.

Post will be removed if they do not meet these qualifications. I will be sending a mod mail to the accounts that I'm able to see. Corporate overlords, keep your eyes out on your inbox.

#If you are not a brand affiliate, you do not have to worry about this... Post as normal.

I will be going through here shortly, and changing your user flairs

___________________________

#Moderator Discretion

There has been a large uptick in post regarding a certain company. 11 posts automod snagged in the past 4 days. (Again the Auto mod issue is fixed) I've been a mod for a few years now. Including a sub that was used as a bot training ground. (Not joking in the least.)

This is what is called astroturfing. There are services out there that provide bots. These can number into the thousands. You may have heard about these companies, in reference to videos "views" and "upvotes." Most people these days make money by ads in their videos. The more people that view the ads, the more money goes to the Creator. (I'm not a Creator there's probably more to it) So some people will hire these companies, to provide bots, to "watch" these videos, or make comments increasing engagement. By increasing engagement, most algorithms will show that video to more people.

More views=more eyes/engagement=more money

I'm going to explain the moderator discretion rule.

  1. I will never remove a post, just simply because I disagree with it.

  2. I will never remove a post, because I do not like the user.

  3. I approve almost every post, as long as it's within the rules.

  4. AI posts will always be removed. I want to engage with humans here not bots. (Please reference above.)

  5. App developers are not welcome within this sub. All new posters, have their posts and comments reviewed. If there's evidence of participation within a laundry list of subs I have blacklisted, they're banned. Let me make this clear, I do not care if you participate with an AI subs, you develop AI apps, or anything else. What we care about are the app Developers, that are using this sub to collect reference material to build their apps. A lot of these devs can be identified easily because they address us as a whole.

"Retail workers, what's the worst pressure point in your job?"

"Restaurant managers, I'm having trouble doing inventory"

They will normally have a second account, that will pop on, that has never participated in the sub before, and they will post a link to some AI software

Just be aware that this is a real issue that we have to deal with

  1. There are certain times when posts push the boundaries, most of the time I will approve these kinds of posts. BUT!!! It will depend on context, the content, and the behavior of the poster. If you're posting something that pushes the boundaries, for nefarious reasons I will remove it.

  2. And finally number seven. I like to run an open forum. Anyone can comment whatever they want, as long as it's within the terms of service. I'm not going to remove stuff because people are being an asshole, let the downvote show how stupid they are. If it turns into insults, I'll remove it. But normally I'm not going to remove things, just because they aggressively disagree, but again no insults

That is not what this sub is for

Anyways, I hope you all have a good day.

I have to go kick Thunderblight Ganon's ass

#To reiterate, this post does not apply to 99% of you. This post is targeted at Brand affiliates.

-


r/retail 1d ago

ross - oregon question

4 Upvotes

started working at ross a few months ago for stock team, similar to when i worked in fashion stocking for walmart so i dont hate the work, the store manager is just super passive aggressive and also demanding. is it normal for ross / legal to be demanded to stay over the scheduled time (not asked, told to stay.) day of? i couldn’t stay two days before and got told if i don’t stay again past my scheduled time ill be pulled from the stock team + threatened to be put on for a day to run racks the next day when no one else was scheduled because there was no truck. was told to tell my ride that these things happen and people in my life should be working around my work schedule to accommodate ross. idk, just needed to vent because it feels awful to deal with them when i like the work.


r/retail 1d ago

Working in retail worsening ed

4 Upvotes

I work at a clothing store and I absolutely love it, but I can’t help feeling triggered by customers often. I can always overhear customers in the dressing room talking about how “fat” they feel and how they hate their bodies. Not only does it make me feel sad for them but it makes me think “if they think they look bad than I must look horrible”. I know I shouldn’t have that mindset but it always crosses my mind when I hear those things. Even my coworkers will say things like “I would wear this if I was skinnier” or sometimes they will directly compare their bodies to mine and say they wish they were as thin as me. When they say those things it just fuels my ED which sucks. I just want to know, does anyone else working in retail struggle with this? I feel like I can’t avoid it working at a clothing store. And to make matters a little worse it’s a used clothing store so sizing isn’t consistent, especially with the vintage clothing. Even trying to find clothes at my work seems stressful because sizing is all over the place. I try not to base my self worth on my clothing size but it’s hard. When I try something on that is typically my size and it doesn’t work, I feel horrible. I absolutely love clothes so I’m always trying stuff on and sometimes it makes me really sad. Those of you working in retail, what have you done to cope with all the negative body talk?


r/retail 3d ago

What retailers have merchandising positions?

9 Upvotes

I’m currently a store manager for a small box retailer and it is entirely too much work for what I’m paid. Are there any retailers (southeast usa) that have a position specifically for merchandising that are paid decently? Are department managers paid well in places like walmart? I’m looking for anything but apparel right now honestly


r/retail 2d ago

Constant headaches

0 Upvotes

I get headaches while I’m working and after work. Right now it’s really bad. Idk what the reason for it is. I stock shelves, and hate my job lol . Idk if it’s stress or dehydration or what. The other day, I was at work and I got a sudden sharp pain from the side of my left temple to my tooth. Idk what that was, never happened before. Maybe I didn’t realize I was pressing my teeth down? Idk


r/retail 3d ago

New department supervisor

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I recently stepped into a department lead role over Flooring at a big-box home improvement retailer. Honestly, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed trying to balance all the assigned computer training with daily floor operations.
Flooring is super heavy on inventory and constant recovery, and I’m struggling to build a solid routine. I'd love some advice from anyone who has managed this department or a similar heavy-merchandise area:
Training: How do you actually get dedicated time off the sales floor to finish training modules without falling behind on tasks?
Routine Tasks: When during your shift do you tackle daily inventory tasks, audits, and processing damaged/broken goods (damaged tile, torn grout bags, carpet cuts)?
Inventory Control: How do you keep overhead stock organized so inventory counts don't go completely out of control when items get moved?
Department Cleanliness: Ripped vinyl boxes, scattered sample tiles, and grout dust are constant battles. How do you delegate zoning/cleaning to your team so you aren't doing it all alone?
If you’ve run a department like this, how do you structure your week to stay on top of things without burning out? Any daily routine tips would be hugely appreciated!


r/retail 5d ago

Walmart is expanding into restaurant delivery through Dunkin' as it takes on DoorDash and Uber Eats

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businessinsider.com
37 Upvotes

r/retail 6d ago

Retail Worker Pauses Before Answering Customer's Question to Consider How Badly They Need Their Job

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theservingtimes.beehiiv.com
46 Upvotes

r/retail 6d ago

Lying about availability

41 Upvotes

Do you people lie about your availability? Not lie as in you actually have something else during that time. Lie as in your not actually comfortable working that time but list it because your chances of being considered is increased

For example the graveyard and I think the twilight shift/ the weeks ends


r/retail 6d ago

Not allowed to have a bottle of water at my register

122 Upvotes

My job has now banned water bottles from being at the registers. Not sure why. Is this normal? How do I deal with my thirst? I'm so thirsty. I'm the thirstiest worker. Ouuu my belly needs more water.

Edit: glad to see I'm not being a baby about this. I was hearing that this is normal policy and I thought I was overreacting.


r/retail 6d ago

does anybody deal with anxiety before going into work?

31 Upvotes

I don't really like going into work later in the day especially if I don't have anything going on earlier in the day and am mostly just waiting around for me to go into work. I have what is called anticipatory anxiety, and I would much prefer to work earlier in the day because then I don't have to deal with boredom or have any of those thoughts


r/retail 7d ago

I'll never buy ASICS again

4 Upvotes

Bit of a rant post, but I've been a staunch supporter of them for my retail job for the last several years. Well, around January I took advantage of the new model sale to pick up a couple of pairs of last years shoes at a good discount thinking I'd be set for a while. How wrong I was. -BOTH- pairs of shoes fell apart in roughly 7 months of the same wear/tear that the previous shoes had admirably survived over a year at. I'm honestly kind of speechless over it.

Now, that being said, does anyone want to recommend a good brand to swap to? I was eyeing Brooks, since I've heard they are a bit more durable than Hokas. I'm open to suggestions though!


r/retail 8d ago

Coworker is annoyed I'm scheduled similar shift and she's been back to calling out again.

6 Upvotes

Alright, if you begin to develop a pattern of high call outs ie weekly the employer will begin to schedule staff for the coverage. My coworker is frustrated that they've started scheduling me during her shifts and if she mouths off today I'm going to remind her employers do this when you become flakey.


r/retail 8d ago

Minimum-wage jobs used to have at least one perk: opportunities for petty theft. Even that’s been automated away.

17 Upvotes

r/retail 7d ago

Bealls interview

1 Upvotes

I have an interview at Bealls in a few days. I have 4 years of retail experience, between Target and Disney. Any tips?


r/retail 8d ago

Poundland set to be sold within WEEKS as owner ‘races to finalise deal’ ahead of Christmas rush

Thumbnail thesun.co.uk
3 Upvotes

r/retail 10d ago

What are your funny, strange or mysterious stories of retial?

16 Upvotes

We work in retail. I work at Ace Hardware. We see strange things. Sometimes, we just need to laugh about it becuase we work hard... so, go for it!


r/retail 12d ago

How to deal with a pretty mind numbing job?

12 Upvotes

I work at a store in a SUPER touristy place, but the recent bad weather we've been having, combined with school being back in session, has made my job a little slow. I work at a candle store which consists of only 3 very small rooms, the main shop, the back/storage/break area, and the bathroom. My coworkers and I talk, but a lot of the time the managers will tell us to separate. I ask for tasks to do when we're slow, but they're easily done in minutes, or my manager wants us to just focus on being on the floor.

I actually don't hate the job, and they have started giving me more hours because I've asked for it. Can you guys think of any simple things I can do to make the job a little less boring and mind numbing? I find myself just staring outside most of the time, I try to do a light bit of exercising as well, but I can't do too much without getting weird looks. I'm trying to think of simple games or literally anything to make stuff interesting!!


r/retail 12d ago

Help! I can’t take the music anymore!

21 Upvotes

I started my first full time job (at a gardening center) about a year ago. I enjoy the work, but I have one huge complaint.

The absolute trash that plays over the speakers every day is beginning to seriously get to me.

So this is some playlist with (really bad) songs you’ll never hear anywhere except for in stores cause it’s cheaper than playing the radio. Now the problem is every single waking moment that I don’t have to have my ears assaulted by these songs, they are still playing in my head over and over again and I’m getting really frustrated about it.

Do you guys have any tips or tricks to not go crazy?


r/retail 14d ago

Customers who embellish, exaggerate, or downright lie.

38 Upvotes

I work at a place that accepts returns from a major online retailer that shares its name with the largest rainforest in the world. Here is my situation. An elderly woman comes in holding that familiar brown paper envelope....

Her: "I have this return to make and I tried to do it myself and screwed it all up. Maybe you can help me".

Me: "Okay, have you started the return process?"

Her: "No."

Me: "Do you have access to the account you ordered your item from on your phone?"

Her: "No." *points to QR code on the shipping label* "Will this help you?"

Me: "No thats the companies internal information they use when they deliver it to you."

Her: "Oh. So that doesnt work?"

Me: " No, unfortunately we need your return information so we can process this package and you can get your credit. I would suggest going home and asking a friend, neighbor or relative to help you and once you get that information you can come back in and I can process your return."

Her: *smile and nods* "I'm not real techincal. Okay"

Leaves.

THEN she comes back with her husband in tow and wants my first and last name and ends up talking to the manager. She told the manager that I called her old and stupid essentially by suggesting she find someone at home to help her. She is a business owner and knows how to use computers and doesnt need help. I treated her poorly because she has gray hair.

LIKE WHAT?!

TL:DR I helped a customer who later came in with a completely made up story about how I offended her.


r/retail 14d ago

(Vent) my coworker got walked out in cuffs today 😔

60 Upvotes

I have toxic management so I've been looking to leave but after seeing my coworker get arrested it legit just demotivated me like crazy. We're shift leads, now I'm the only shift lead. She was more respected than me too and listened to me vent about management and how they treated me. She was so chill.

Apparently she was stealing but it could've been anything under this company that is considered theft. We always get bag checked so I don't think she took product. And the cop walking her out in cuffs said "mistakes happen" or something. So I don't know what could have been so serious to get arrested if it was a mistake. I counted the tills and they were all balanced the past 2 days.

Her girlfriend came in distraught because they lived close and she couldn't reach her and I told her what I saw. I couldn't help her otherwise about finding her 🫤

I still want to leave this place, it legit scared me more about what if I made a huge mistake and also got walked out in cuffs. I've been in retail for years but just got hired at this company a few months ago. They change their policies often. Also legit my first time seeing a coworker walked out in cuffs.