The Dave Worley Blog 
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Being the plaything of a High Street giant – week one.
If you know me personally, you’ll know who it is I speak of, but I will refrain from mentioning the large High Street company that I have recently started a seasonal job for, as I quite enjoy it, and I don’t really want to lose it.
However, my first foray into the retail service industry has already produced a few observations of note:
1. Regardless of how old I am, I still laugh when I see a bra, the word bra, a box of bras, or any related female undergarment paraphernalia.
I’m sorry, I thought I’d grown out of this … oh, about five years ago. But I was sorting through some delivery boxes on Wednesday when I came across an old label on a box that just read “bras”. I had a little giggle to myself, and opened the box. Alright, it contained jeans, with the face of a five-time Olympic gold medallist (should give you some ideas of who I’m working for, cryptically…), but still. All I can say is, thank god I work in menswear, away from the big crowds, because if I had to walk past, or worse stock, the lingerie section, I might give myself an aneurysm.
2. I am not going to lose any weight whilst working.
… Because when I’m stocking the tables near the lower entrance, all I can smell is the Maccys NEXT DOOR. THANK YOU, LUCKY STARS, FOR PUTTING A MACCYS NEXT TO MY PLACE OF WORK. REALLY, THANK YOU.
3. It’s true.
Working in retail really does turn you into a woman. Going round the store is now like constantly shopping. I want that and that and that and that and that and…
4. I’m still fucking terrified of spiders, even when I’m being “formal”.
There was a spider in fitting room 3 yesterday. I refused to go anywhere near it, and scarpered when it ran down the wall at me. Like genuinely had to suppress a girly scream, and run. To the other side of the shop.
5. Shoes are the way forward.
In the first hour yesterday I sold £400 of shoes. Enjoyable times.
I have to say I’ve never been thanked by my supervisor for everything I do. I really enjoy the ethos of the department and the “family” feel I get out of it all, which is a bit soft, but I wouldn’t enjoy it if I didn’t feel I couldn’t have a laugh with the old colleagues. It’s all very promising for the next few weeks!
Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Work.