personal space

Posted on February 17, 2004 by Maura

Like anyone else I’d imagine, I prefer to keep a modicum of personal space about myself at all times. I’ve come across people who don’t respect this preference, of course, but I find this to be most problematic when shopping. I realize it is the salesperson’s duty to get on top of you until you buy something, and thus to avoid being rude I tend to shop at places that just leave you alone. I am, however, in the market for a dress and possibly a skirt or two, so I went to the mall tonight to see what my options were. Ah salespeople. I feel terrible about it, but when they try to help me I just want to run out of the store. I must say, though, that the salespeople at Banana Republic were fabulous. Not until I had picked up two items of clothing to did they try to get me into a dressing room. And when I fell for a dress but not the price tag, leaving the store without buying anything was okay, too.

About Maura

Maura likes cooking and various nerdery and lives in Atlanta, GA. more →
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6 Responses to personal space

  1. Remember to take your vitamins says:
    February 17, 2004 at 1:14 am

    If taking your vitamens was difficult for you there is a new product on the market… Vitaball. Yes, that’s right, a gumball that is also a vitamin.

    That is all I have. Oh yes… and buy the powerbook.

  2. Prosperina says:
    February 17, 2004 at 2:16 am

    You should try shopping in Hong Kong. The shop assistants follow you around and shout at you, all the while not looking your way at all. After I got over the initial “uh, that’s kind of disturbing. And very, very annoying” I was quite impressed.

  3. Nikhil says:
    February 17, 2004 at 3:49 am

    It is relly a good sight. You could be a good friend. Have you ever visited India??

  4. Rick says:
    February 17, 2004 at 8:32 am

    Fell in love with a dress, fell in love once and ALMOST completely. I wish it had a better price, then with me this dress would definitely be leaving. Can’t buy a pair of shoes now, the dress is back on the rack so neatly. Didn’t want to spend too much, so Im leaving Banana Republic with an empty feeling.

  5. Nisa says:
    February 17, 2004 at 12:13 pm

    I hate having to pester the shoppers at the store I work in, but alas! I’m forced to. We have to be “helpful”, which means lots of “interaction” —- a.k.a. making sure they buy something. It sucks, but we get lectured by the managers if we don’t. I try not to, unless I see managment nearby. I’m completely sick of high pressure sale techniques, thus, I’m completely sick of working at NY & Co.

  6. Rachel says:
    February 17, 2004 at 8:54 pm

    I have the same issues with shopping in malls. I need space to shop. I don’t need the salesperson to chime in, “Can I help you find something?” every five seconds. I do not need to be followed around the store after I decline help. I do not need to know about the store’s specials when I can read the sale signs very well. I do not need assistance in the dressing room. I do not need salespeople! Of course, if I need any help I will go to them first thing and then all services will be appreciated. :)

    By the way, Banana Republic? You have great taste in clothing. Now if only I could take out a small fortune for their spring line….