To wish supermarket staff were a bit more glamorous.

[SurferJet]

Obviously this is lighthearted - but strolling through Tesco earlier I thought how much nicer it would be if the staff had a touch of glamour about them - supermarket shopping is such a boring drudge isn't it, & I for one would be so cheered up if the staff were a bit more 'Hollywood' - obviously it doesn't have to be the full Audrey Hepburn or James Bond - but maybe a step up from dowdy overalls.

Anyone else?

I don't think anyone is suggesting retail staff buy more glamorous clothing in addition to everything else they do.
I, for one (and as someone forced to wear an ugly, not fit for purpose, polyester uniform), think it wouldn't be unreasonable for staff to be supplied with attractive uniforms. Ideally, not polyester.

Personally, I think limited has spelled out the reason that doesn't often happen.

I've found it depressing to think that retailers assume I will feel happier if people are (at some level) demeaned. That actually upsets me.

I am also rather saddened that an essentially lighthearted thread has gone the way of the AIBU Fight Club.

People are so angry in AIBU. It sometimes seems as though they come here explicitly looking for a fight.

Poor OP. She even used the dread word 'lighthearted' and it still didn't help.

I remember when people had to start using 'lighthearted' as a kind of 'safe word', and I thought that was kind of grim.

I think AIBU's main virtue now is that it saves the household pets of this world. I guess before AUBU, people would kick the cat. Or have an argument with it.

Seriously, the OP is clearly an invitation to fantasy and ridiculousness. To get so angry about it is a serious misdirection of fury and mis recognition of linguistic cues.

Having said that, I found limited's posts illuminating and thought-provoking.

I quite fancy a tabard and builders utility belt. It would be rather practical for everyday wear.

You might want to add the gunpowder-powdered U of nail guns to that for easy DIY and efficient disposal of difficult customers originalmavis. Only £669 plus tax. Keep the change.

Sorry, it's the gunpowder-powered Cadillac of nail guns and retails at $669. Guaranteed to make you feel better after a hard day on the shop floor.

Oh I don't work in a shop but it might come in handy for my daily 4 hour commute.

A misunderstanding I think. I must say, I read the bargepole comment as a couple of other posters did, and was quite shocked. I read it as insulting to shop workers. I understand the explanation now, but also see why PPs got a different impression. I don't think they were being nasty in expressing their surprise, they just interpreted it as I did. The bargepole phrase does usually have quite negative connotations and here seemed to suggest that retail workers' jobs were the lowest of the low, so I didn't like it at first. But as I say, I get the explanation, but also think for once Mrs DV's comments were a bit mean to them for a genuine misunderstanding. Hopefully it's all clear now!

I am also rather saddened that an essentially lighthearted thread has gone the way of the AIBU Fight Club.

I think so too catfromjapan and agree with mrsd that most people would prefer not to work in retail at any level, especially not in supermarkets or similar stores because you get it in the neck from management and customers and then get it in the neck again.

I haven't said that looking glamorous should be a requirement of your job. Far from it. Your uniform should be comfortable and practical and shouldn't have to make you look like a wage slave or be a fire hazard.

One of the joys of my job has always been that no matter what shit I was getting from managers, I usually didn't have to take shit from customers.

I would adore a nicer uniform. As Kermit says 'It's not easy being green'.

We used to have blouses which while still being an eyesore where much more comfortable but they switched us to awful plastic polo shirts.

I sadly coved Sainsbos comfy looking fleeces

Mrs DV, I just think you could perhaps have also accepted that they misunderstood because of the particular phrase used, so it wasn't totally their 'fault'.

One of our supermarkets dresses its staff in a natty black top and pants combo, with a discreet logo on the top. They look pretty good. Really, the staff are the least of the problem, aesthetically speaking...

For the last time, i was not trying to get you to admit something you hadnt done. I have explained this several times. There was no misunderstanding of your intent on my part. I fully understood what you meant. I objected to the phrase used. I know you understand this. You are not a stupid person. Now stop being silly and insisting on playing innocent victim here. And yes, your comment about my comprehension skills was a low blow and 'mean'. Its water off a ducks back to me as it is rubbish, i'm not stupid either. It just reflects badly on you.

Why on earth would i apologise? i think you used the wrong phrase to express what you meant. It isnt wrong to say that.

I've worked in retail, the uniforms are designed to be practical and easy maintain. How unfortunate that they're not aesthetically pleasing enough for the customer

Well said Alisvolatpropiis.

I'm not disputing that some work outfits aren't the most stylish clothing in the world. But the OP wasn't recommending outfits that would be comfortable, practical or make the wearers feel good. It was all about customers wanting to be cheered up by the retail workers' clothes. I have worked in retail and no, it isn't a "glamorous" job so why would it need "glamorous" clothes?

If people working in retail dislike their uniforms they could perhaps band together and take it to the top, as they're the ones going to be wearing them. I would be unimpressed by a customer complaining that staff weren't "Hollywood" enough to cheer them up.

There are thousands of people who wouldn't touch retail work with a bargepole.

They may have to one day if other options aren't there.

Your nasty remark was personal mrsd. Thats why it was mean/nasty. My comments were entirely about the phrase you used. That was the only issue i had. I posted a which generally doesn't indicate being "upset so much". I wasnt upset. It was a "well that's nice, not!" sentiment. You responded by swearing. Possibly on the defensive because someone else had already (unknown to me at time of posting) addressed your comment. And no, its nothing to do with "shutup because i dont agree with you" its "well you're showing yourself up just lovely" but hey, go to town if thats what you need to do.