Be patient, gracious and wear comfortable shoes: Holiday shopping advice from experts
A previous version gave an incorrect owner of Oakbrook Center.
Online shopping may have taken a smidgen of the craziness out of holiday shopping.
But for those who still like to buy presents in person, what can we do to make it a more pleasant — or less aggravating — experience?
The Daily Herald reached out to the management of Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard and the Simon Property Group (owner of Woodfield Mall and the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall) for advice.
We asked them what shopper behaviors annoy or frustrate retail workers, what shopper behaviors they like, favorite customer interactions, and practical advice.
All of them said prepare to be patient. And consider shopping or visiting Santa Claus during nonpeak hours, such as weekday mornings.
“Customers becoming impatient during the busiest shopping times of the day and weekends doesn't help any situation,” said Josh Dean, general manager of Yorktown. “Have a little grace and patience during this busy holiday season.”
And when you learn the item you want is not in stock, “remember that local workers do not control inventory,” Dean said.
“Have mutual courtesy and respect, saying ‘please' and ‘thank you,' he said. And follow store policies, especially with returns, exchanges and fitting-room guidelines, Dean said.
He likes it when shoppers offer random acts of kindness, such as helping a fellow shopper reach an item or reading a price tag for them.
Marissa Persico, marketing and business development director for the Chicago Premium Outlets, began working in retail 10 years ago at the age of 16, at a family-owned shoe store.
“I love when the shoppers interact with you and are excited about the shopping experience,” Persico said. “I had one customer when I worked at ALDO who would come in every Friday for new shoes. It was so much fun to help her pull together her look for the weekend and getting to know her and her personal style.”
But, “It can be annoying when a shopper haggles for discounts, especially when an item is already on sale.” Persico said.
Her tips? Wear comfortable shoes. Stay hydrated. Be patient.
And “when making a large purchase, know your credit-card limit rules,” Persico said.
At Woodfield, Heather Lloyd is in her 16th season as director of marketing and business development.
“I enjoy seeing the cross-generational groups of shoppers. Grandparents, parents, children, aunts, uncles, and cousins show up at Woodfield Mall on Black Friday, and throughout the holiday season, ready to embrace timeless traditions and create new ones. Sometimes they wear matching holiday sweaters or personalized sweatshirts, which always makes me smile and remember why I love my job.”
But what annoys workers? “I know sales associates can find it annoying when customers talk on their phones while checking out and aren't ready with their items or payment.”
Lloyd suggests doing homework before shopping by visiting a mall's website for information on stores, deals, and what's in stock. Simon's app can even tell you the closest parking spot, she said.
Bring the kids to visit Santa, but leave them at home when you are doing serious shopping, she said.