The holiday season is easily one of the busiest times of year for retailers. With a slew of last-minute shoppers out and about, there isn't much downtime for those working the cash register and mending the aisles.
Want to know exactly what it’s really like to be smack dab in the middle of the shopping scene? Here’s what one Atlantan has been experiencing.
RELATED: These metro Atlanta companies are making big seasonal hires for the holidays
Settling “petty” disputes
It wasn't exactly what Charlotte Cruce expected when two white-haired senior ladies approached her cash register at Amy's Hallmark in Marietta last month.
Friendly greetings quickly dissolved into heated bickering as each elder woman tried to pull Cruce over to her side in a sudden political disagreement. Though Cruce is used to customers sharing emotional stories with her inside the greeting card and gift store, it was the first time she had to referee a fight between senior citizens.
"It's definitely felt like a crazier holiday season this year," said assistant manager Cruce, who has worked at The Avenue West Cobb location for four years. "People just seem angrier than usual, arguing over petty things."
Handling budget concerns
While Cruce believes that some of the anger is fallout from the recent election, she's also witnessed an increase in budget-based frustrations.
"People seem extra-cautious about spending this year, trying to barter heavily with coupons and other offers to get a better deal. It feels like a lot of people are really worried about what's going to happen to them in 2017."
Retailers count on holiday sales for a large percentage of their annual income. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday purchases in 2015 made up 20 percent of all annual sales. The stress to finish the year strong can fall down the corporate ladder onto all employees, with sales associates often feeling the heaviest personal impact as they serve customers face-to-face.
Dealing with rude customers
Cruce asks people to please refrain from being rude to service personnel during the holiday season, whether they're shopping or dining.
"Just understand that sales this month can carry some businesses the rest of the year," said Cruce. Though she often has customers ask for her by name and has won multiple awards for outstanding customer service, Cruce hopes that customers remember that the people helping them are simply human, too.
"We're pulled in a lot of directions: wanting to help you while the phone is ringing, the back door is buzzing, employees are calling out sick and people are lining up at the register. Please try to be patient with us."
Remaining positive
Cruce laughed while sharing her opinion that keeping a healthy holiday perspective can make shopping more enjoyable for everyone.
"I promise, not getting a specific item won't ruin your Christmas. If that Harry Potter ornament has that much power over your happiness, maybe watch 'The Grinch' again to remember what the holiday season is really all about."
