[na] retail worker question

[saracelica]

I've been working in a retail store for 6 months. Its a national chain. We got a new store manager (she was promoted from asst manager) over the last couple days shes been a little short with us as employees but I'm use to her. I'm a cashier so I'm the last person the customers see. The last two days customers have described the manager and said to me "wow she's not pleasant" or "she's worst then a wet noodle" I apologize and they seem to accept it. I don't think people realize she's the store manager.

Anything else I can do? what if they ask for the manager?

I know she's under stress in her personal life. Yes she probably takes calls for me and my rudeness but I'm a dime a dozen (she can get another cashier by nightfall) so if I confront her I feel I'll either get ignored or "I get calls about you to Sara"

 

[RJM62]

I've been working in a retail store for 6 months. Its a national chain. We got a new store manager (she was promoted from asst manager) over the last couple days shes been a little short with us as employees but I'm use to her. I'm a cashier so I'm the last person the customers see. The last two days customers have described the manager and said to me "wow she's not pleasant" or "she's worst then a wet noodle" I apologize and they seem to accept it. I don't think people realize she's the store manager.

Anything else I can do? what if they ask for the manager?

I know she's under stress in her personal life. Yes she probably takes calls for me and my rudeness but I'm a dime a dozen (she can get another cashier by nightfall) so if I confront her I feel I'll either get ignored or "I get calls about you to Sara"

It's not your problem as far as I can tell. I would shrug and say, "I suppose we all have our good and bad days," and leave it at that.

Rich

 

[frfly172]

It's a fine line you have to walk,she controls your employment. However you can't have the customers being upset.you may try talking to her ,about the stress she may be under. Good luck.

 

[Becky]

Had a similar situation. Just sort of upped the "friendliness" factor with the lady; asked her about family, listened, showed caring in little ways, even bought her a book she had mentioned looking for, as a gift. Complimented her appearance, things like that that I could do in all sincerity.

Of course, all this took place over months; often she would cry and talk a little when I did something nice. Things thawed tremendously. She opened up a bit and it turned out she had a lot of personal issues and didn't feel cared about by her family. She started treating everyone in the office better. A little active, sincere caring goes a long way. Someone who's hurting in any way, physically or emotionally, is not going to be able to keep up a pleasant demeanor for very long.

 

[EdFred]

When I worked retail we mentioned problems with the bad managers to the managers we got along with. It usually wasn't long before the bad managers were gone or transferred. But it was always done as a group effort, not as individuals.

 

[Matthew]

As a cashier, you are part of the "customer service" experience. You essentially get the exit interviews from the customers and it sounds like you are getting some important feedback that should be shared with your supervisor.

 

[MadseasoN]

I've been working in a retail store for 6 months. Its a national chain. We got a new store manager (she was promoted from asst manager) over the last couple days shes been a little short with us as employees but I'm use to her. I'm a cashier so I'm the last person the customers see. The last two days customers have described the manager and said to me "wow she's not pleasant" or "she's worst then a wet noodle" I apologize and they seem to accept it. I don't think people realize she's the store manager.

Anything else I can do? what if they ask for the manager?

I know she's under stress in her personal life. Yes she probably takes calls for me and my rudeness but I'm a dime a dozen (she can get another cashier by nightfall) so if I confront her I feel I'll either get ignored or "I get calls about you to Sara"

Everyone has bad days and is stressed about their life. How we handle it is what matters.

I wouldn't say anything. In time these kind of people are naturally filtered out.

 

[Sac Arrow]

In your situation, I would either leave it alone or use Ed Fred's approach. Personally, in my field, I've never had issues with just telling my managers when they've ****ed someone off. Particularly me.

 

[RogerT]

I think Becky's approach sounds like the best. Moving up to manager in a store is a tough step. Lots of companies don't keep the new manager in the same store. Be pleasant with her and do it sincerely. Personal problems coupled with a new position like that can be a very stressful situation. Try to build a relationship with her. I wouldn't go over her head about the comments at this point. If she'd been a manager several years .. that would be different.

If done tactfully and sincerely so that it's seen as an effort to give her useful feedback .. and after you've built a relationship .. talking to her about it might help. Such as .. "Have you got a minute? I'm getting some feedback that you might want to know about." Leave her feeling like you care about her success.

RT
47 years in retail at all levels

 

[N801BH]

Sara.....

Start looking for another place to work...... IMHO....