Working at a retail store in a mall can often lead to some interesting and juicy stories, as revealed by employees who shared their experiences with BuzzFeed Community. From witnessing people having sex in cars in the parking structure to accepting clearly worn underwear as returns, the secrets and stories shared are eye-opening. This article compiles some of the most shocking and entertaining submissions from employees of popular mall stores.
One employee shared their experience working at a Victoria’s Secret PINK store, where they were instructed to accept clearly worn underwear as returns and to simply wipe away any stains with a wet wipe before putting the items back on the floor. Another employee who worked at Abercrombie recalled how the company targeted young people from small towns by preying on their insecurities and convincing them that they were special and needed for the brand. This manipulation led to a divide between employees based on hair color, with only blonde employees allowed to work on the floor.
At Nordstrom, an employee encountered a disturbing situation in the public bathroom when they walked in on someone engaging in inappropriate behavior. Another employee shared the frustration of being overworked and underappreciated as a manager of a mall kiosk store, leading them to quit abruptly one night without notice. Additionally, an employee at American Eagle revealed a little-known secret that customers could return products at any time for store credit at the current sale price, even without a receipt.
Shoplifting is a common issue at mall stores, and most stores have policies in place prohibiting sales staff from doing anything other than deterring theft. The article advises customers to wash new clothes before wearing them, as they can be coated in preservative chemicals and may have come into contact with unsanitary conditions. The strategic use of music in stores to attract customers and increase sales is also revealed, with some employees taking advantage of their ability to connect their own playlists to the store’s speakers.
Employees of mall stores also shared behind-the-scenes information, such as the fact that many cameras are fake and used as a deterrent for bad behavior. When stores go out of business, employees often do not benefit from the sales of merchandise, as everything is owned by the bank that is liquidating the assets. Additionally, employees of the mall itself revealed that lost money is often donated to charity, and the mall is a popular spot for the elderly, resulting in occasional deaths on the premises.
Overall, the secrets and stories shared by employees of mall stores provide a fascinating glimpse into the often overlooked realities of working in retail. From questionable return policies to behind-the-scenes operations, these revelations shed light on the inner workings of popular mall stores and the unique challenges and experiences faced by employees in these environments.
