I'M NOT ON A SOAP BOX!

Having worked in retail basically my entire adult career, I have, and think everyone should have, an enormous amount of respect for any and all retailers. Whether they are Mom & Pop small town shops, or the corporate giants we hate to love, they have handled these extremely unprecedented times with finesse and proficiency.

For instance, take into account not only how quickly every company’s marketing team created all the new COVID related signage, but they also had it printed, and then shipped to every store. Having worked behind the scenes, I also know that with each piece of marketing/signage there was also a complete directive on how and where to install it, along with every piece of fishing line or command strip you would need. I feel like this basically happened overnight across the board.

Just about every retailer, restaurant, or shop has also implemented some form of contactless pick-up or curbside service. And those that already had a similar service in place had to make drastic adjustments to ensure the health and safety of not only their employees, but their customers as well. I can promise you this was nowhere near an easy task. Policies and procedures had to be written. Training plans and new learning modules created. Again, it seems like this happened overnight. All from marketing teams, and brand development teams, who most likely (if not they should have) ran every detail of these things past the HR team, all while being nowhere close to in the same room.

I've said all that to say this, (okay, this might be a small soap box, oops) when you’re out shopping, or dining, show those who are working, and most likely have been working throughout this mess, a huge level of respect. I know they’re tired. I know they’re faces hurt from wearing a mask for their entire shift (TO PROTECT YOU! So don’t be a douche and refuse to wear one for the 10 damn mins you’re in a Lowe’s. Whew, that’s another post!) And I know that from my many years behind the counter, the last thing you want to do is have to put up with rude and unappreciative customers who couldn’t care less how your day has been.

So be kind, kinder than you usually would (or should) be. Go the extra step to make sure those employees know they’re appreciated. It’s not hard, it costs zero dollars, and I can assure you it will mean more than you know to that person behind the counter. Do better. Be better.

Best today and a better tomorrow, Jake Michael