I was holidaying in Maximum City recently and was staying at a hotel that had a mall attached to it. No car to park and no hurry to get back. I just had to take the lift back up to my room. You can imagine how much I shopped. But in other cities, somehow, the familiarity of the stores and the retail assistants is always different. Here in Chennai, I’m spoilt because at most of my favourite stores, the retail assistants know my choice and my size, and sometimes even give me priority when it comes to changing rooms. But that also has a lot to do with the way you behave and treat a changing room. While I was in line waiting with my shopping bag in tow, I couldn’t help feeling for the retail assistant as she kept requesting customers to clear out soon and restrict the number of pieces. On one of the days, I nearly gagged because of the body odour of a fellow customer. So the next time you go shopping, follow these 10 commandments.
The assistant is not your housekeeper: Treat the changing room as your bedroom and avoid throwing things around. The pile does not belong on the floor, even when there is no hanger. This only delays the process of getting the fitting room ready for the next person, and you could end up being the one waiting. Do not trash the space.
Treat the clothes like your own: When trying on clothes, treat them well. Someone is eventually going to pay for the garment. Always put back the clothes the right way, and hang them up on the hook, or return them to the retail assistant.
Photo shoots can be saved for later: It’s always comforting to get the opinion of a friend when in doubt; but taking pictures in every outfit is annoying. If you do not plan to buy, spend no more than five minutes in the trial room for the benefit of the ones that are.
Take a shower: Personal hygiene is important when you go shopping. Never try on clothes after going to the gym or if you haven’t showered. You would not like to try on clothes that have someone else’s sweat on it. It’s about having courtesy for the next person trying it out.
Keep your partner outside: Taking your partner into the changing room is avoidable and can be a source of embarrassment for others. You could always come out and show them what you’ve tried on.
Closing time: If you know the store is closing in five minutes, it may be best to come back another time and try on your clothes at leisure for the benefit of both you and the staff.
The changing room is not a restroom: There are times when parents allow kids to use the changing room as a restroom. Leaving a soiled diaper and dirtying the room show you in poor light.
Help the assistant help you: If the assistant asks you about the clothes you’re trying on, respond to them so they can help you with either a different size or style. If you need help with a size and the assistant is not around, go out wearing the garment, but never in your undergarments. You will embarrass fellow shoppers.
Own up: If you’ve tried on a garment and accidently stained it or ripped it, convey it to the assistant. They will be happier to deal with it if you own up to it.
Count your pieces: Most stores have a specified number of pieces you can carry in to try on. Pleading with the assistant to take in extra pieces is against the store policy and could land them in trouble.
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