Karla’s Korner: Shopping Etiquette

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Shopping Etiquette…

My husband and I made our first attempt at Christmas shopping this weekend. Thankfully our children are older now and their lists are smaller; smaller doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper it just means that the quantity of gifts is smaller. Anyway, while we were shopping we noticed that customer service is not what it used to be I realize that shopper etiquette is not the same as it used to be either. At one point while standing in a very long painfully slow line at a newly opened department store several customers began to complain because it was quite warm in the store. I had to agree that it was warm and after standing in line for nearly 25 minutes I too would have welcomed a little cool breeze blowing through my hair, but we were all in the same line we knew how hot and slow it was. After several similar encounters throughout our shopping extravaganza, I thought a list on shopping etiquette would be helpful…

1. When standing in a line as long as the store itself, there is no need to constantly tell everyone around you how long the line is. If we are in line, we get it.

2. Yes, it is rather warm in some stores, but complaining about it will not make the magic elves come out and cool you off.

3. When riding on the escalator with your toddler, you might want to hold his hand or when he gets to the bottom he will run over to go back up (for the third time), tripping on the step and catching himself by grabbing hold of the back of my pants with his sticky hands and nearly knocking me to the ground in the meantime.

4. When driving through the parking lot, if the person facing you has his signal light on to turn into an empty parking spot, my guess is that he is not challenging you to a game of parking lot chicken. He got there first and you should honor that and find another spot; and hand gestures are really not necessary.

5. When shopping with your children please remind them that freeze tag should be played outside in an open field or on the playground. The frozen food isle at the local Kroger is not the best place to play.

6. Shopping carts are not weapons or a tool to use to jockey for position. Being mindful of other shoppers trying to get around you and your buggy is essential when practicing good shopping etiquette.

7. When approaching the door to leave try stepping back to let those on the outside in and smile as they enter. Smiling at someone is just a nice thing to do.

8. When the waitress stops by your table to tell you she’s sorry for the delay in getting your meal, politely thank her for letting you know without grumbling. After all you are sitting down resting while she (or he) is busy waiting on you and many others and could use a break.

By following these few simple tips I believe that you will be able to enhance not only your shopping experience your fellow shoppers as well. Staying positive and polite will not only help you feel better about your shopping experience but will also help others have a positive experience as well. Happy Shopping….

Peace,

Karla

 

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles here.

Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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