‘Judged’: 27yo reveals retail trend

A young Aussie has divided social media by sharing what he thinks all people that work in retail should do.

Do you want to be greeted when you walk into a retail store? The answer is not something Australians can agree on.

Timmy Reeves has worked in retail for years. He took to social media to share he has noticed a “decline” in customer service.

The Melbourne local said that he “hated” working in retail and was only there to “make money” and go home, but he always made an effort.

“I was there to work, and I was there to help people, and I always did it with a smile on my face. Nowadays, you walk into a store, and there’s a 1 in 50 chance someone is going to serve you,” Mr Reeves said.

He clarified he understands some people are just browsing and only some who walk into a store want to have a lengthy conversation, but he stressed that customers should be greeted at a minimum.

“Just at least say hello and greet them! It gives someone the feeling of being welcomed in the store,” he said.

He explained why he thinks people should be greeted. Picture: TikTok/tjreeves

People on TikTok were divided on if you should greet someone. Picture: TikTok/tjreeves

It isn’t just the lack of greetings bothering him; nope, it worsens.

The 27-year-old said it isn’t just the radio silence he receives when he enters a store. Some Gen Z retail workers can be hostile.

He said he is sick of being “judged” by 16-year-old retail workers who don’t bother to greet him but do bother to death stare him.

“You are 16-years-old and you are staring at me like we are going to have a punch on. Just have some respect, guys. You’re getting paid to do a job. Put a smile on your face,” he said.

The rant amassed more than 70,000 views and not much agreement in the comment section.

“I’m quite happy to be ignored when I walk into the store. If I need anything I’ll ask them,” one wrote.

“I would rather them not even greet me. If I need help with something, then I’d ask,” someone else said.

“The job can be hard at times but you’re still paid to do the work. It’s always nice to have a smile and to say hello to customers and make them feel welcomed,” another wrote.

Mr Reeves said as a consumer, he has just noticed that Gen Zers aren’t very good at customer service.

“There is definitely a trend of lack of care for the work they’re doing, which ultimately leads to poor customer experiences,” he told news.com.au

“I have had many great experiences with younger people and poor interactions with older generations throughout my time. I feel this is caused by lack of training, the feeling that they are not being paid enough for their work.”

He reckons the lack of service comes down to a lack of training. Picture: TikTok/tjreeves

He said he reckons Gen Zers struggle with social interactions because of growing up during the pandemic. Picture: TikTok/tjreeves

The former retail worker said he thinks the non-greeting trend probably stems from the fact that Gen Zers have grown up with “fewer interactions with people” due to the pandemic.

“I just grew up with the upbringing of being polite to people, which I transitioned over into every customer service role I’ve ever done, but I feel that mentality isn’t something some of the younger generation have,” he said.

“People just like to be acknowledged and not to feel like we are bothering them when we need assistance as that is often the attitude you can receive. A smile can make someone’s day a whole lot more positive.”

While Mr Reeves was quick to point out that he has had plenty of positive customer service experiences and understands the other side of being a retail worker having to deal with rude customers, he is still a bit stunned by the standards.

“From a customer experience, I have seen many things, from vaping behind the counter, talking about their sex lives in front of customers, swearing at customers, and I have even been laughed at by people working when I’ve tried clothes on,” he said.

“I have also been on the worker side of things and have dealt with many rude and horrible people who have come through the doors. The general point is both sides of the customer experience can be poor.”

Originally published as ‘Judged’: 27yo reveals retail trend