Being disabled, I questioned if I would ever be able to find a job that would be willing to accept me and my limitations. I can’t even tell you when I applied for the job, but what I can tell you is that sometime in the beginning of June 2016 I got called in for an interview. About a week or so later, on the 23rd I started my first job at Citi Trends. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. During my interview, I made the store manager at the time, Joey, aware of what I was able to do and what I wasn’t. He assured me that it was okay. To just ask for help when needed.
Working at Citi Trends has opened my eyes to being on the other side of the tracks. I’ve learned that it isn’t easy to keep up a retail place like Citi Trends. You have to do freight (boxes that the items come in), put those items in the appropriate place, make the store look nice, and deal with customers. Please don’t let it be a during a holiday, the store gets insane. If you work or ever have worked retail then you understand where I’m coming from and will probably thank me later. I want to list some things that annoys us as sale associates:
1. When you bring in food or drinks, ESPECIALLY if it says on the door not to. Then get mad when someone says something to you about it. They’re not allowed because of the bigger mess we may have to clean up.
2. Please pay attention to where the line starts. We don’t need anyone yelling because they were “cut” in front of.
3. Take control of your kids. The building isn’t a playground and an opportunity to let them run free. Oh yeah! Put shoes on their feet. I know at Citi Trends there’s a possibility they could get stuck in the foot with the sharp part that keeps sensors on the items. And I’m pretty sure the last thing any store would want is a lawsuit.
4. Every retail place is different, but take a minute to look over your receipt or ask the person that’s checking you out about the return and exchange policy.
5. Dressing room. Another situation that varies within stores, but be mindful of how many items can be taken in there and don’t leave the clothes in there. Bring them back to the front or put them on the rack that’s outside the dressing room.
6. When you’re choosing pieces of clothing, take a second to notice if there’s a price on them. If there isn’t, try to find the same exact item with a tag on it to the front or the same brand. It saves soo much time when it is time to check-out. Especially on busy days.
7. If you drop something on the floor, is it really that hard to pick it up and place it back where you got it. Help us with recovery 🤷
8. Don’t come in at the last minute and then try to rush us 🙄
9. If an associate ask if you have a return or exchange, answer with either or. A return is when you want your money back and an exchange is when you want switch out what you’ve purchased with another item. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know that 🤦♀️
10. Last thing I can think of right now: BE PATIENT! We’re doing the best we can and depending on the day, how many people that are working and situations that may arise the pace will vary.
Other than the things listed above, I couldn’t have asked for a better first job. Everyone from my co-workers, managers, and customers all work with me and is understanding. As for Joey, if you ever come across this one day: Thank you for seeing past my limitations and giving me a chance. I will forever be grateful.
#stillRising 