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Talking to people working in retail I keep hearing the same thing: People are bored. Often see the same people coming in several times a week, buying random st

Talking to people working in retail I keep hearing the same thing: People are bored. Often see the same people coming in several times a week, buying random stuff and browsing the shelves. Standing in line outside stores for 30 minutes just to buy a few knickknacks.

NullPrefix 6y ago
You don't seem to understand how much I need those biscuits. And I need them now!
Loughla 6y ago
I was a retail manager for 6 years while I finished grad school and post doc work. It was eye opening for me. Many, many of the elderly people who came to the store were there almost every day, and were there just for the human interaction. It genuinely made me sad that there wasn't a better outlet, or an outlet that wasn't based on the consumption of nonsense goods.
- chooseaname 6y ago
  Worked retail (managed eyeglass lab) to pay for my eng deg. Can confirm. There were a few regulars I grew fond of.
- vharuck 6y ago
  Even if there were a local place or activity for socializing, going to a retail store during the day is a good move. Clerks won't have many people competing for their attention and the clerk-customer roles make it easy to break the ice. The clerk will realize this isn't a sales discussion but is probably happy to shoot the breeze, anyway. Shopping at a store gives a very nice framework for casual conversation.
- whatshisface 6y ago
  Maybe grocery stores should start social events and advertise them to regular customers.
- gowld 6y ago
  We're they spending a lot on junk? It's fair to have a small "fee" for hosting. And if they are buying food things and then giving them away, that's two social interactions!
- devenson 6y ago
  When I skipped school in the 80s, I'd get to the mall before it opened for business and watch as they opened the doors early for "mall walkers" -- old people who were there for exercise sheltered from the Florida heat and humidity.
ssully 6y ago
That's my father since he retired. He does wood working as a hobby, but he will use any excuse to go to the hardware store. I don't know his actual frequency, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is there 4-5 times a week, with or without a project lined up.
- devenson 6y ago
  Grab a Coke, walk around Home Depot... I do enjoy!

NullPrefix 6y ago

You don't seem to understand how much I need those biscuits. And I need them now!

Loughla 6y ago

I was a retail manager for 6 years while I finished grad school and post doc work. It was eye opening for me. Many, many of the elderly people who came to the store were there almost every day, and were there just for the human interaction. It genuinely made me sad that there wasn't a better outlet, or an outlet that wasn't based on the consumption of nonsense goods.

chooseaname 6y ago
Worked retail (managed eyeglass lab) to pay for my eng deg. Can confirm. There were a few regulars I grew fond of.
vharuck 6y ago
Even if there were a local place or activity for socializing, going to a retail store during the day is a good move. Clerks won't have many people competing for their attention and the clerk-customer roles make it easy to break the ice. The clerk will realize this isn't a sales discussion but is probably happy to shoot the breeze, anyway. Shopping at a store gives a very nice framework for casual conversation.
whatshisface 6y ago
Maybe grocery stores should start social events and advertise them to regular customers.
gowld 6y ago
We're they spending a lot on junk? It's fair to have a small "fee" for hosting. And if they are buying food things and then giving them away, that's two social interactions!
devenson 6y ago
When I skipped school in the 80s, I'd get to the mall before it opened for business and watch as they opened the doors early for "mall walkers" -- old people who were there for exercise sheltered from the Florida heat and humidity.

ssully 6y ago

That's my father since he retired. He does wood working as a hobby, but he will use any excuse to go to the hardware store. I don't know his actual frequency, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is there 4-5 times a week, with or without a project lined up.

devenson 6y ago
Grab a Coke, walk around Home Depot... I do enjoy!