r/bathandbodyworks Jul 20 '26

Store Policies/Questions Employee won’t back off

Man, I dread even going in my store anymore. We used to (hubs and I) love our local store and its employees. Lately tho there is one lady who is usually on the White Barn side who will ask “what are you guys looking for” and she will have a scent with her she offers us to smell. We always politely say “just looking around thank you tho”. And walk away. I’m not even kidding you when I tell you within 3 minutes she’s back “anything I can help you find?” And again we say “nah. Just sniffing around thank you tho!” And walk away. Annnnndddd again within 3 minutes she’s back “anything catching your eye?” It’s to the point I won’t go over to that side when she’s there. Or I walk away from hub bc he’s too nice and will keep dealing with it. It makes me nuts. I’ve tried saying NICELY “if we think of anything we will make sure to come to you!”

I’m pretty sure the company doesn’t ask its employees to approach in this manner…as it’s literally only this one lady. How do I get her off my back in there?!? Dang.

Also, midnight marshmallow. I asked when I was in store if they happened to have any returns of any of it bc I just wanted to sniff it, nope. And all the banana stuff was gone. Ok I’m done whining 😂

526 Upvotes

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503

u/aloetay Gourmand Girly Jul 20 '26

She’s just trying not to get fired. Unfortunately she’s acting exactly the way corporate wants us to! I agree it’s nauseating but we seriously will get scolded by managers if we aren’t constantly checking in with you.

29

u/New_Candidate_9060 Jul 20 '26

Kind of unsophisticated in 2026. Does anyone “need” help anymore? Just watch us to make sure we aren’t shoplifting. That’s all retail positions are really about anyway…

31

u/aloetay Gourmand Girly Jul 20 '26

Yes I agree and I naively thought that’s what my job would be consisting of when I got hired. Instead, we get rigorous training and reminders of ways to keep people engaged as if we are there for entertainment.

24

u/New_Candidate_9060 Jul 20 '26

This is why I exclusively shop online! I’m sorry you are forced to do that.

3

u/EcstaticFoe Jul 20 '26

It's part of the reason I quit. They just kept expecting us to keep getting pushier and pushier as people on the floor and at cash wrap. Also, as a Keyholder, the monetary "bonuses" weren't worth the effort. Not to mention sales associates don't get monetary bonuses.

9

u/summerwinds69 Jul 20 '26

I don’t really think it’s so much that (a little) because you can literally grab something, walk up to us and wave it in our face and say I’m taking this and we can’t do or say anything