What I quickly learned from retail about people…
Yes, all the memes and jokes about customers are true. We get to see the best and the worst of people but luckily the worst are only .01% of people who come through the doors. We remind each other during those .01% moments that it is never about us - people are not actually that angry at sales associates - they likely have something much more important and more stressful going on… we get it.
This is about the other 99.9% of people that come in shopping for clothes...The newly single Dad looking for a fresh outfit, the young lady going on an adventure date, the Mom who recently lost weight, the teenager wanting to get active, or the recent grad starting a new career - we’ve got you. It's what we are in business for - we love to help - no matter what the purchase reason is.
One thing many of these amazing people have in common: they look for their flaws. People, no matter their size or shape will walk out of a change room and immediately point out the thing they don’t love about their bodies. They look for imperfections - a small ripple in their behind, bra straps showing, bellies that aren’t perfectly flat, a chest that is too big or too small, saggy arms or god forbid, back fat. Just like the many people before them, they don’t notice how the top hugs their curves, how the dress shows off muscular legs, how the pants accentuate a strong trunk, how the colour lights up their skin tone or makes their eyes pop. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, shouldn’t the most important beholder be ourselves?
Sure, there are some retailers out there that will tell you everything looks “absolutely amazing” on you but most would rather help you find the piece that elevates your best attributes. My advice would be to find someone you trust, build some relationships and communicate what you want. The pieces of our body that we don’t love about ourselves aren't likely to change overnight if at all. Instead, let's dress for success - whether it is a date night, outdoor adventure or comfort at home, you deserve to feel your best in whatever you’re wearing.
Next time you're in a change room, have grace with yourself and only buy the things that make you feel amazing!
Sue
xo