It's a shame that sarcasm is harder to detect in a venue such as this one, but the title is in fact dripping with it. It's hard to maintain holiday cheer when working in retail and there is little heart for those of us who work in retail because for the most part we choose to. There is some truth in that. I do choose to work in a bookstore. I choose to serve you in that manner. When you enter my store it is my job to help you and I do for 40 hours of my week. But there is something that I think that a lot of shoppers don't realize. I am not out to get you because I don't have the obscure picture book on mushrooms from around the world that you wanted. Contrary to what you think I am not there to ruin your Christmas. In fact I want you to spend tons on money when you walk in that door, but as a shopper you need to think before you shop. Do a little research before you walk in my door asking for something that hasn't been in print for 25 years or that you aren't even sure if it exists (this happens more than you know: "I'm looking for a book on antique porch furniture"). I am good at my job and can probably locate a title or two to order for you but we cannot possibly carry every book that was ever published, it's impossible.
It's the time of year when I put on what I like to call my airline stewardess face/voice. My normal octave gets a little higher and my smile get super close to being obnoxious, but I do it because I like it crappy customers an all. I do it because despite all the crap there are some days that are just awesome. Yesterday I had the two most amazing customers ever right in a row. The first, a nice gentleman who needed help finding a couple of thing, sure no problem we've got that, nothing to out of the ordinary right. Wrong! When I greeted him hello and asked if I could help him find anything he replied, "Yes you can, and Merry Christmas." Okay, to the ordinary person that doesn't sound like it would be something to make an awesome customer, but in truth most customers can't even manage a hello or Hi for us, most are talking on their phone and we're trying to get out of them what they want. So someone wishing me a Merry Christmas made my day. At the end of our customer service experience he told me I had a beautiful smile, energetic spirit and hugged me. It put a bigger non-airline stewardess grin on my face. I get back to the computer and an older woman and her husband came up to the counter. "What can I help you find today?" I inquired. "I'm wondering where you keep your croshworrrr" followed by a very loud laugh. I laughed a little, not wanting to offend when her husband looked at me and said "You'll have to excuse her she had drinks with her dinner." I'll tell you it's the hardest I laughed with a customer in a long time. It was a good day, and it reaffirms that I like what I do. I need a day like that every now and then between the crappy ones.
So just remember it's Christmas time for everyone, not just you!! Take your time and don't always be in a rush to get in and get out. If you really want me to help you pick something out I'm not a magician, I will have to ask you questions. Have patience and try to enjoy the holiday a little. Merry Christmas from the Book Store Dork :)
P.S. I've read some killer books lately (mostly teen, but really addictive!!!)
