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You know how you enter the store to get some milk, only to see the shelf full of pinot grigio right in the way, staring at you with no place to hide? This moment of pure impromptu is basically the essence of the “decisions were made here” meme that shows the lonely product (one intended to buy) standing in the midst of the indulgence section, whether it’s beer or ice cream.

But no matter how funny it may be in the joke format, the reality is a tiny bit different. It turns out, it’s one of the most annoying things customers do while shopping, according to supermarket employees—not even mentioning taking a thing out of its package and leaving it lying out somewhere.

Below is the list of seriously annoying stuff we should all quit immediately if we ever want good shopping karma.

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    #2

    When People Stop In The Middle Of An Aisle And Act Like They're The Only Ones In The Store

    When People Stop In The Middle Of An Aisle And Act Like They're The Only Ones In The Store

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    #3

    "If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."

    "If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."

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    Bardhi's Dad
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is really annoying. What kind of parents are them? How do they educate those children?

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    Back in the 1950s and '60s, the vibe at supermarkets was totally different. According to author Blake Morgan, “brands treated customers like they didn’t have brain cells and used loud and obnoxious voices and obviously exaggerated print.”

    It all changed with Ogilvy, the father of advertising who said that you gotta treat customers like you treat your family members. Because, essentially, they’re potential clients.

    Then, the now-famous phrase “the customer is always right” was pioneered by successful retailers named Harry Gordon Selfridge, John Wanamaker, and Marshall Field. This approach stuck with us for many years to come, and it’s still in use today. But critics claim it doesn’t work in the current times.

    #4

    If You Really Love Your Heros, Consider This

    If You Really Love Your Heros, Consider This

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    Laugh or not
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, calling people 'heroes' for doing their jobs is a good way to pat them on the back, congratulate them and avoid thinking about work conditions and salaries.

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    #6

    Getting Told The Same Joke

    Getting Told The Same Joke

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    In the times of consumerism, customers are no longer the perfect beings worthy of praise. According to the author Alexander Kjerulf, sticking to the “customer is always right” mantra has multiple adverse effects.

    It makes employees unhappy, it gives abrasive customers an unfair advantage, it results in worse customer service, and it ignores the fact that some customers are just plain wrong.

    Even if being customer-centric is part of the customer experience, that doesn’t mean brands and companies have to follow it blindly. They should rather seek a smart balance in making both customers and their workers equally happy.

    #7

    "Working In Retail Is A Special Type Of Hell"

    "Working In Retail Is A Special Type Of Hell"

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    Martha Meyer
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was a kid, customers had to pay for stuff they dropped and destoyed. Doesn't seem a thing anymore.

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    #9

    Customers Who Don't Say Hi

    Customers Who Don't Say Hi

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    cybermerlin2000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always say Hi and I'm very cheerful about it because I feel like they have taken the time to be nice

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    #10

    When They Act Like Masks Don't Apply To Them

    When They Act Like Masks Don't Apply To Them

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    #12

    All The Employees Have To Do Is Put Stuff Away...right?

    All The Employees Have To Do Is Put Stuff Away...right?

    "If you do this, f**k you."

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    #13

    When Customers Leave Stuff From Other Aisles In Places They Shouldn't Be

    When Customers Leave Stuff From Other Aisles In Places They Shouldn't Be

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    postboredom
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You don't have to work in a supermarket to hate this...I feel for you all.

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    #14

    "I Think We All Can Relate. Am I Right?"

    "I Think We All Can Relate. Am I Right?"

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    Tiari
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the things I really like about Germany. A simple „NEXT“ is common and completely sufficient.

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    #15

    When They Tell Employees Their Whole Life Story

    When They Tell Employees Their Whole Life Story

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, I have heard about a women having a colonoscopy, a woman being a prostitute and that the fella with her was her pimp and bf, a guy with a big bandage telling me about his infection that was literally oozing pus etc. Some things we just don’t need or want to know.

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    #17

    When Guests Forget The Entire Reason Employees Are In The Store

    When Guests Forget The Entire Reason Employees Are In The Store

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    S.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But, the customers are only there because the store is open...? Then isn't it the fault of the management?

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    #18

    When They Walk In Just Before Closing

    When They Walk In Just Before Closing

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    WilvanderHeijden
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just close the doors 5 to 10 minutes minutes before closing time and only let customers out. Common practice in the Netherlands.

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    #19

    When Customers Forget How A Store Works

    When Customers Forget How A Store Works

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    #20

    When They Come .5 Seconds Before Closing Time

    When They Come .5 Seconds Before Closing Time

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    Csaba Hegedűs
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country it is mandatory by law to have 'online cash registers' everywhere, that works like sending all data directly to some tax office or anything. It means if a shop is officially open from like 9 to 18, they can't sell you stuff AFTER 18, because register will note the tax office that out of business hours this shop was doing business. Therefore, shops can legally tell people who come this late that sorry, if you can't make your purchase in the next ten seconds, we can't legally serve you.

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    #21

    "Black Friday As A Wal-Mart Employee."

    "Black Friday As A Wal-Mart Employee."

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    #22

    When Customers Leave Their Dirty Trash In The Carts

    When Customers Leave Their Dirty Trash In The Carts

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    Vorknkx
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When one fails to understand the simple fact that the supermarket employee is not their mom, and therefore not there to clean up after them.

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    #24

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    Bardhi's Dad
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Well, let me think a bit about this generous offer you made... NO!"

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    #25

    Even Though Zebra Says 1 But Not Binned In Anywhere

    Even Though Zebra Says 1 But Not Binned In Anywhere

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    Bardhi's Dad
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You just go in the back, rest for 5 minutes and come back to tell him "No. We don't have it. I checked everywhere"

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    #26

    Things-Supermarket-Employees-Hate

    Things-Supermarket-Employees-Hate

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    A.M. Pierre
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And yet I did get charged twice at a bookstore once when this happened. Took forever to get my money back. I realize that's an exception, not the rule, but I am wary now.

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    #27

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    Nemopoint
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually... my wardrobe looks like this. But i didn't shop any outfit since a year so, it'just my wardrobe.

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    #29

    When Customers Disappear After Employees Go Into The Back To Get Something For Them

    When Customers Disappear After Employees Go Into The Back To Get Something For Them

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    Bardhi's Dad
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me the scene with Rowan Atkinson and Alan Rickman in the movie "Love Actually"

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    #30

    Cough Cough

    Cough Cough

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel awful for my son. He spits when he talks because of a few reasons. He has a lateral lisp which causes excess saliva and he has low muscle tone in his mouth which causes him to still dribble and not have as much control as most people do. I worry how that will impact him as he gets older.

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    #32

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    Something
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But sometimes people who don't work at a store can be found folding things because they unfolded them.

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    #33

    When People Leave Food In A Cart

    When People Leave Food In A Cart

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    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Carts need a sign, like, “Don’t complain about rising prices of food when you do this s**t!”

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    #34

    When People Take Something Out Of Its Package And Just Leave It There

    When People Take Something Out Of Its Package And Just Leave It There

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    Tiari
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I admit: I did that once or twice. The packaging had no information about the fabric on it, but I need that info for my decision. Afterwards I really really tried getting the stuff back in the packaging, but gave up after 5 to 10 minutes. If the damn manufacturer is not able to print the f*****g type of fabric on the packaging and I have no chance getting the stuff back in the packaging because it was packed under a vacuum... sorry. And yes. I asked staff about the type of fabric, and mostly the answer is a blank stare and an „I don’t know...“

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    #35

    When They Beckon An Employee Over Like They're A Trained Animal

    When They Beckon An Employee Over Like They're A Trained Animal

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    #36

    Things Supermarket Employees Hate

    Things Supermarket Employees Hate

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    .gas.
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Customers hate being asked this, too. Why does it matter? Is there a price differential?

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    #37

    Who Just Decided "No" On The TV?

    Who Just Decided "No" On The TV?

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    #38

    When They Don't Recognize The Difference Between In-Store And Online

    When They Don't Recognize The Difference Between In-Store And Online

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    Tiari
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So the customer went the extra mile to check if the item he wants is still in stock before he makes the trip, with a service the store provides for exactly that purpose, and you hate him for it? Wow. That’s entitled.

    Chaz83
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Online stock levels are dependent on updated instore stock levels. The online levels may only be updated once or twice a day and are not usually live levels. So a store may show an item in stock which has since sold. Online stock levels are a guide, not a guarantee and abusing a staff member for something they have zero control over is rude.

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    Michelle C
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually I do check online stock before I leave the house...and most the time I'm only leaving the house because it says item is for "pickup only". So yeah I'm gonna be pissed when I go to the store and it's not there when it said IN STOCK online!

    lenka
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't agree with this one. If the store has an online stock system then it should be correct. If they cant ensure that stock levels are accurately represented then they should not be displaying the information to customers. I realise this is not the cashiers fault - but this is a genuine complaint and should be fed back to management.

    Fieke Engelen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or maybe they should say something like '1 instock' or '15 instock. Then depending on the quantity, you make your own decision

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    WILLIAM FAULK
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The customer later goes back and chops his head off. the whole store looks at him "what I went for his freaking' head!"

    Barbara Valleroy
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Often stolen. Sometimes wrong count entered when received. Sometimes misplaced.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What people need to understand is “in stock” either may have been the status at that precise time, but has changed by the time they get to the store, or was correct until the updated status was entered and reached the website. U less you order it right that second, between the time you check the status of an item and you finally get to the store, any number of people could’ve bought them all.

    Billy the kid
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sorry the customer before you just bought the last one. should've got here quicker or reserved on line

    Chelle Snail
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In this case, I agree with the customer, sorry. Tiari is right, it is entitled to think that way towards a customer who made the effort to come in when online 'in stock' lied. As for other instances along the page, I agree that customers messy and lazy behaviour is crap.

    M Kate McCulloch
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That only annoys me when I call first or when online says they have like more than 10 in stock and then they're out.

    IZama
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stores do this just to get you in the store to get you to buy other crap. They will say, "It's a 'system' issue." or a "timing issue". I call BULLSH**!

    Deep One
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with most of these but there are a few that are a part of the job.

    Mittens Wiggum
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here you can phone the store and ask them to put it aside and save yourself the trip - especially as it might take 24/48 hours for stock systems to update.

    Colleen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, that was embarrassing. (Sometimes it takes a few hours for web counts to change and sometimes the online/instore price differs from the price in the store...grrrr.) Luckily I was often able to offer an upgrade at a discount.

    Boopie Dew
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Online is what can be shipped to you, is not in the store. In store is what remains at that store at that moment which u can pick up

    Hollie Newton
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some stores as well such as mine have a general online website so just cuz it's in stock online doesn't necessarily mean our store. Besides which we don't always get what is promised to us in delivery meaning that we should have it in store but someone f****d up

    Jennifer Reed
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had this happen at walmart, except the item was in stock but it was like $25 more. I showed them on my phone and they were like 'Too bad. That's the online price, you have to order online to get that price." Wtf. So I literally ordered it right there in front of them for store pick up and paid on my phone and a guy comes out from the back and grabs it off the shelf the manager and I are standing next to, and I showed him my confirmation and he handed it to me. The manager was pissed bahahahaha. Loopholes. Gotta love 'em.

    Logically Reasonable
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NO! There's a difference between online retail and store retail. There is NO difference if you go to the stores retail site, to check if a SPECIFIC store has stock in an item or not. THAT is the fault of the lazy turds the retail company hires.

    Mimi777
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most stores show online the if the store nearby has the item in stock and how many nearby so I go to the store and then for some reason it’s gone. That’s different than something being only in stock to be ordered from online. It sucks. But not the employees fault.

    Kim
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is actually unfair to the customer imo. They didn’t check the online stock, they specifically checked the in-store stock.

    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walmart and big box stores cant account for the opioid addicts who decided to steal and leave an inventory chaostorm in their wake everytime they need a fix. Until you can stop people from being idiots, the online inventory will never match the instore inventory.

    EA
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Usually that means the item has been stolen! Used to work in a shop which let customers do a product search on iPads dotted around. Frilling NIGHTMARE.

    KT
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's really not fair for the consumer. They did homework online before going in, that's more the businesses fault

    Curry on...
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then make your darn online ads clearer. Put "online only" in big print like you do that big ass price.

    Tabitha L
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will call a store if it says the have 1 or 2 in stock. That usually means 0. If they do have it, I ask for it to be held. Target is notorious for showing items "in stock" at my store, but not really being there.

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    #39

    "98% Of Customers Are Illiterate"

    "98% Of Customers Are Illiterate"

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    troufaki13
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes this discount applies only to certain items and it isn't always clear which one

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    #40

    People Who Shop At The Absolute Last Minute

    People Who Shop At The Absolute Last Minute

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    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In a way I wish we had coupons like they do in the US but as a past checkout operator I am also glad we don’t. Takes up so much time.

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    #42

    When Customers Mess Up The Displays

    When Customers Mess Up The Displays

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    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, I get looked at oddly because I'm the customer that will stand the boxes back up and put things in order because it drives me nuts when it's not neat.

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    #44

    shonenjumping Report

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    MellonCollie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "No thank you, I've got your change" or any other polite reply is also fine ... Sometimes customers make mistakes, sometimes they're just really bad at counting or they're distracted. Yes, I've worked in retail for years. If you hate customers that much that you have to bitch about something as little as them proposing the wrong amount of change, please don't take a job in retail.

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    #45

    Customers Who Are Chasing You

    Customers Who Are Chasing You

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    #46

    New Infant Salad

    New Infant Salad

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    All Lives Matter
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The worst is when they take something like raw meat that needs to stay in the freezer section and dumps it with something like clothes. Such a waste of food.

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    #47

    "Dear Ladies And Gentlemen I Am Going To Thank This Fellow Customer For This Nice Display"

    "Dear Ladies And Gentlemen I Am Going To Thank This Fellow Customer For This Nice Display"

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    #48

    "This Happens Way Too Often In Electronics..."

    "This Happens Way Too Often In Electronics..."

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    Cassie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walmart has an obnoxious habit of moving the battery displays pretty regularly and sometimes they aren't even in electronics. I blame whoever makes that ridiculous decision.

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    #49

    retailjoblife Report

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    ML
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Money from hand to hand usually involves accidental touching of other people. Most people are not comfortable doing that with a stranger. I think this is why they rather put it on the counter. Personal space or something like that. I prefer that too.

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    #50

    When Customers Demand To Be Let In Before Opening

    When Customers Demand To Be Let In Before Opening

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    #51

    When Customers Still Act Uncertain If Employees Work There Even Though They Might As Well Have A Target Painted On Their Face

    When Customers Still Act Uncertain If Employees Work There Even Though They Might As Well Have A Target Painted On Their Face

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    All Lives Matter
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but I'm dumb, young, and english, and WTF IS A ZEBRA??? IK ITS A STRIPY HORSE BUT I DONT THINK THEY MEAN A STRIPY HORSE. WHY AM I SHOUTING?

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    #52

    It’s Called Etiquette

    It’s Called Etiquette

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