When the store closes... It's time to leave.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by Pruzhany

Countdown timing is "not" bending over backwards. Helping customers is actually part of their job.

Helping you is not the same as being your personal shopper.
If you have a list perhaps you should make it a point to come in earlier and give yourself enough time to shop and ask for assistance if you can't find what you're looking for. That's not the kind of thing you should be doing 10 minutes before closing.
The countdown is because sometimes people don't realize the store closes at a certain time, or they lose track of time while in the store. I'll agree that it can be rude if it's excessive, but it's not any more rude than the customer who is taking their sweet time still browsing the store at closing, instead of heading to the checkout so that the store can close on time.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

Helping you is not the same as being your personal shopper.
If you have a list perhaps you should make it a point to come in earlier and give yourself enough time to shop and ask for assistance if you can't find what you're looking for. That's not the kind of thing you should be doing 10 minutes before closing.
The countdown is because sometimes people don't realize the store closes at a certain time, or they lose track of time while in the store. I'll agree that it can be rude if it's excessive, but it's not any more rude than the customer who is taking their sweet time still browsing the store at closing, instead of heading to the checkout so that the store can close on time.

Helping a person find the items they need depends on the store. Walk into a Staples and it's part of their mantra. Walk into a Walmart and you're on your own. Personally outside of food, everything I need comes from online ordering so it comes in the mail or is ready at a pick up location. Last minute entrance should be only for items that are needed asap and not for a full shop. As for asking for help; Have you walked into a store lately? There is no one on the floor to ask. Nearly all the staff is at the registers.

[DubbleT]

Originally Posted by Pruzhany

Helping a person find the items they need depends on the store. Walk into a Staples and it's part of their mantra. Walk into a Walmart and you're on your own. Personally outside of food, everything I need comes from online ordering so it comes in the mail or is ready at a pick up location. Last minute entrance should be only for items that are needed asap and not for a full shop. As for asking for help; Have you walked into a store lately? There is no one on the floor to ask. Nearly all the staff is at the registers.

Well yes, but you are the one who said "If you want us out by closing then come by and assist us in finding the items on our list(s). I think in the past it was called "Customer Service". And maybe in the present too?" At closing time there usually isn't extra staff available to assist anyone. A manger busy taking care of the money and reports, and a cashier or two. Corporate retail has gotten so tight with budgets at some chains that it's beyond ridiculous.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by DubbleT

Well yes, but you are the one who said "If you want us out by closing then come by and assist us in finding the items on our list(s). I think in the past it was called "Customer Service". And maybe in the present too?" At closing time there usually isn't extra staff available to assist anyone. A manger busy taking care of the money and reports, and a cashier or two. Corporate retail has gotten so tight with budgets at some chains that it's beyond ridiculous.

This is a 2013 thread. Two years ago it wasn't this bad. Now it's a Catch-22 that has caught up with B&M retail. It's all day now that there is little to no staff. According to a retail manager I spoke to, They are now using their payroll after closing to restock the stores.