Ever wonder where your favorite fast food chain first popped up? Look no further. I’m sure you expected that Kentucky Fried Chicken started in Kentucky, but I’m surprised that Subway started in Connecticut and not New York. (Does Connecticut even have a subway?) I always thought the first McDonalds was in Des Plaines, Read More…
Author: RetailGuy
I have worked in retail for over 40 years. I've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the completely unbelievable.
This is What Happens When You Say Yes Too Much…
Saw this while shopping in a Target last night.
CVS Eliminates Assistant Manager Position
A few years ago, Walgreen’s eliminated the assistant manager position in their stores and I predicted that others would follow and CVS has finally joined the club. The transition has been announced and will be rolled out over the next month or so. When I started in retail, there were typically at least 5 salaried Read More…
5 Harsh Truths About Our Most Common Job Complaints
I can personally vouch for all 5 of these over the course of my career. I’ve had people quit who thought my store would fall apart without them (usually it got better), I’ve had plenty of dick bosses (managed to survive all of them),and have worked with morons who made my job Read More…
How Long Is Your Receipt?
Over at Adweek.com, Robert Klara decided to see how long of a receipt he would get at some major retailers by buying only a pack of gum. The results of his little test shocked me, as CVS finished LAST of the 8 he tested. I’m guessing he didn’t have an ExtraCare card as usually they Read More…
Did You Not See the “For Dogs” Part?
This was on someone’s Facebook page and made my day. Folks, please read your labels before making purchases, especially for your children!! Today I was in the frozen isle of Walmart doing a bit of grocery shopping. A lady whose name is Sara (it was on her badge), looks at me and says Read More…
Please Help Me! I Didn’t Win The Powerball!
The last couple weeks our stores were swamped with customers buying Powerball tickets in a extremely unlikely attempt to win the big jackpot. I saw people of all walks of life lining up at the self-serve machine (and then requesting help because they were too dumb to figure it out…) and of Read More…
21 of the Best Customer Service Stories Ever
Here’s a little something to restore your faith in humanity at the end of a long week. Some of these I’ve posted before but most of them are new. My favorite is the guy who someone delivered toilet paper to in his stall on a train. Now that’s personalized service. 1. LEGO LEGO pieces Read More…
Not The Type of Party You’d Want To Be At
A retail store shouldn’t be a dangerous place to shop in, but sometimes things happen. I’ve had customers knock over displays and even wipe out an entire endcap of champagne but have never seen anything quite like this. I’m sure all 3 shoppers have already contacted their attorneys and will be hitting Read More…
Is That A Python In Your Pants, Or Are You Happy To See Me?
Here’s another thief with some balls, although he put them at risk by his brazen theft of a python. I wonder if he walked around for a while trying to impress the ladies, or realized that his future sterility was at stake and he de-snaked as soon as possible…