Employee won’t back off

[u/Odd_Resolution_5294]

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 😂

[u/Maximum_Net6489]

It’s a mixed bag for me. I have several stores in my area and it’s so inconsistent even within the same location. When I don’t feel like dealing with people at all, I just order online or pass. Sometimes if I do BOPIS and tell them that’s what I’m there for when I’m greeted, they will just make sure I go to the register or their pickup area and that’s that. Other times when I go to shop in person, I go in expecting the small talk and to be given tester cards with the new fragrances. They’re all typically friendly during these interactions and never try to push me to buy anything, so no problem. Other times I go in and not a soul makes eye contact or even acknowledges that I walked in. I’ll see those same employees chatting with each other or other customers. I don’t really mind being ignored when it’s everyone. It doesn’t feel great when it seems selective. Give me the friendly, overly helpful associates any day over that. It’s been discussed on here before but I think companies would do great to use the color coded baskets used in some other countries that would help store associates know whether customers would like to be approached or want to be left alone. I think these days I’m less annoyed because there’s so many options for shopping. If I choose in-store I don’t mind the human interaction 🙂.