Store Clerks Standing Too Close

[debodun]

Does it bother you if your shopping and a clerk stands behind you looking over your shoulder? I was in a local candy store a few weeks ago and one of the employees (might have even been the proprietor), followed me around, almost too closely.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

Yes. I’d move away

 

[terry123]

never had it happen to me!

 

[debodun]

Yes. I’d move away

But they stick to you like glue.

 

[Gary O']

Does it bother you if your shopping and a clerk stands behind you looking over your shoulder?

No
I have a hard time finding one that'll direct me to what I need

 

[PeppermintPatty]

But they stick to you like glue.

As I’m walking away, I growl at them … lol

( it’s more of a scowl. )
I don’t like anyone that close.
It works for me.

 

[Jules]

Yes. At Costco I asked a demo person if he knew where something was. He came around the cart to tell me he didn’t know. Then had to give a lengthy explanation of why not … blah, blah, blah. Every time I’d back up, he’d move closer and even bend down to explain more.

 

[Paladin1950]

That was a common thing in smaller stores in NYC, that couldn't afford a security guard. Some stores were victims of constant theft. Even though I have never shoplifted, I was offended when a store clerk kept a close eye on me like I was some suspicious character.

 

[HoneyNut]

That hasn't ever happened to me (tho frequently the opposite problem of no one around to help), and it would absolutely bother me. I would probably say something to them about staying out of my bubble or something. Though if it seemed like it was their culture I might be more tolerant. When I lived overseas in the beginning I thought people were horridly rude on the sideway because they didn't get out of the way and I'd step off into the street, but eventually I realized they had no inhibitions about physical contact with strangers and people would just slide through other people on the sidewalk.

 

[Bella]

Does it bother you if your shopping and a clerk stands behind you looking over your shoulder? I was in a local candy store a few weeks ago and one of the employees (might have even been the proprietor), followed me around, almost too closely.

That was a common thing in smaller stores in NYC, that couldn't afford a security guard. Some stores were victims of constant theft. Even though I have never shoplifted, I was offended when a store clerk kept a close eye on me like I was some suspicious character.

That's probably it, especially if you were carrying a purse. I used to go to a cosmetics store where they watched everyone like hawks. When I realized they thought everyone was stealing, I left my purse and coat in the car and carried only my wallet. When I found something I wanted, I'd go up to the register, leave it on the counter, and then continue shopping. If I found another item, it went on the counter. I stopped going there because it made me feel uncomfortable. I have no doubt that people were stealing from them, but I don't like being treated like a criminal.

 

[CallMeKate]

Does it bother you if your shopping and a clerk stands behind you looking over your shoulder?

Oh yes, that bothers me terribly... and some are worse than others. In my one grocery store, there's a worker in the produce section who thinks we're buddies for some reason. I hope it's not because I always gave a cheery "good morning" because I do that to a lot of people. It's not just looking over my shoulder, though, it's *TOUCHING*... touching my arm when chattering in my face. I have gotten to the point that I need to make efforts to avoid and that's not something I'd generally feel good about doing.

 

[Myrtle]

I've never had this problem but I do think it's probable that the clerks are hyper vigilant because of shoplifting.

 

[Lewkat]

Frankly, I like a personal shopper. I hate having to chase all around a store looking for a clerk.

 

[caroln]

I had employee do more than hover. He must have been watching me as I was buying eggs and he saw me open the carton to check for breakage. He kinda flipped out on me and said customers shouldn't be opening the cartons. I said I just wanted to make sure none were broken. We went back and forth a little until I just turned my back on him and he finally walked away, obviously a little upset. The whole situation was a little creepy.

 

[MarkinPhx]

It bothers me too. Fans of Seinfeld will get this reference....I think all clerks should have a container of Tic Tacs in their pockets. That way , if you need a clerk you can follow the sound to find one and if you want to avoid them you just go away from the sound.

 

[Fyrefox]

In defense of bothersome store clerks, some are ordered to be that way by the store owners. As a grad student, I worked part-time at a small men’s clothing store that was not considered “self-service,”. We were told to stay with a customer from the time they entered until they left, even when it was apparent that customers just wanted to look. I hated having to dog customers, and so was glad to leave this place of employment…

 

[hollydolly]

I think ''store clerks'' sounds very cute, and old fashioned... we call them Sales assistants... and no I don't have any following me... it's hard enough to find one when we need one..

 

[jimintoronto]

Toronto has a very large Chinese population of more than a half a million people. One of their irritating cultural habits is packing 20 people into a office building elevator that should hold 8 people. They have a much smaller " personal space " than westerners do. JImB.

 

[timoc]

Store Clerks Standing Too Close​

Solution.....

Take a step backward with a heavy jolt, accidentally on purpose crushing their toes with your heel, then smile and say, "Oh I didn't see you there, are you hurt?"

 

[StarSong]

No
I have a hard time finding one that'll direct me to what I need

Same here. Decades ago some would hover but the days of stores having floaters on the sales floor are way in the past.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Well, if the head of the Ma Dedodun gang walked into my store, I'd watch her like a hawk, too. But, he probably was way overly eager to stop five finger discounts.