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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel really wound up by shop assistant in Boots?

125 replies

BeckyHelen · 12/03/2008 01:13

The other week I had what I thought would be an uneventful trip into the chemist with my 21mnth old dd to get some vitimin drops and a few other things. It was a fairly cold day and like you do, ensured my dd was well wrapped up with thick coat, hat and footmuff. But common sense automatically kicks in when I go into a warm shop, and I automatically removed her hat when I got inside so she wouldn't start feeling uncomfortable and hot.

I went to pay for the things and I saw the last shop assistant I wanted to be served by to be quite honest, as I have been at the end of her cheeky and patronising tongue before over the "benefits of the Boots Advantage Card, and how I should really have one as you can save, etc etc and it's silly how I've missed out today".

There was no other assistant so I had no choice but to go to her. As soon as I put the things on the counter she was off "They are 3 for the price of 2 at the moment, you just as well go and get 2 more and save money" so off I trot while dd is at counter with shop assistant, only a small shop so I was still very nearby. Then I hear her talk to dd "Good, vitimins to keep you well in the cold winter months, that's what you need" I return to the counter, with S.A leaning over the counter staring at dd:"You ought to have that hat on, on a day like this, like they say by keeping it on you keep it in" errr, but I thought, we are inside at the moment we are not outside! It was not even an issue. I was getting more and more irritated with her, it was none of her business anyway, she didn't know me from Adam!

Then she said: "I've made sure I bought my big warm coat to work today" Then as I went to walk out I said,rubbing it in, "Right then Grace, lets put your hat on to keep you nice and warm" while she had now come from behind the counter and was standing right next to me watching every move I made. She THEN said "Look at you, all nice and snug and warm" At this point I couldn't wait to get back outside just to get away from her, I was just about to push the pushchair out of the shop when she PIPED UP "I wouldn't hang around for long out there today if I were you, it's not nice"!!!!!FFS It was none of her business how long I stayed out. I just could not believe what a cheeky, nosey and patronising woman she was.

I vow never to be served by her again, even if she's the only one in the shop. Next time if she's the only one serving I will go into the chemist next door. Surely a shop assistant should do their job by serving you at the counter and maybe just have a light, unintrusive, un-patronising chat, and leave it to that. I personally would not have the nerve to speak to someone who I didn't even know in that way. She must of been in her late 50's or something.Who the hell did she think she was, my mother!? And I think some of them think they have the right to speak to you like that if they think you are young and stupid! I am 28 and CERTAINLY NOT STUPID!!!!I'm sorry I've ranted on, but for a shop assistant she is extremely wearing.

OP posts:
madamez · 12/03/2008 01:20

Appreciate she gets totally on your tits but she probably thinks she's being nice and warm and friendly. She may even have been on some grim brainwashing training course that nags shop assistants into making desperate attempts at conversation with all their customers. Poor old bat probably can't help it.

ShakeysGirl · 12/03/2008 02:45

She sounds quite friendly to me, and was just trying to make conversation with your baby.

BeckyHelen · 12/03/2008 03:28

Ooooooooooooooo ShakeysGirl, so you think i'm the one with the problem for getting irritated. Well, you irritate me too! Why are there people in this world that get a kick out of hacking you off. Even on this thread!

OP posts:
sandcastles · 12/03/2008 04:18

Oh for heaven sake....calm down! I don't think attacking other posters [who disagree with you] is a good idea!

IMO, she was being polite, making conversation. The assistance in these places often have targets or award systems in place to encourage them to 'sell' products.

Don't be so prescious....

sandcastles · 12/03/2008 04:20

Assistants

MrsJohnCusack · 12/03/2008 04:31

god you're rude
I pity her wasting her time trying to be friendly

seeker · 12/03/2008 04:56

I like it when people chat to my children - it's good for them to have lots of interaction with people outside the family.

And I just took it as proof that my dc's were irresitably lovely, not that the person was nosy or cheeky!

And not sure why her age is relevant - aren't people in thier late 50s be allowed to talk to babies?!

Califrau · 12/03/2008 05:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

2sugars · 12/03/2008 05:43

What seeker said. I always loved it when my dds were at that age - some days it was the only bit of adult input into my day.

FloraPosteschild · 12/03/2008 05:54

I have a feeling that perhaps the problem lies with you this time

saadia · 12/03/2008 06:36

Also the Boots Advantage card is IMO one of the best around, I always tally up quite significant amounts on it.

FairyMum · 12/03/2008 06:49

She was irritating, but in a friendly way.

Littlefish · 12/03/2008 06:53

Sorry, but you are being unreasonable. Sounds to me like she was being friendly. You obviously found it annoying, but the you are definitiely in a minority on this thread.

ernest · 12/03/2008 06:56

doesn't sound at all patronising to me, just very chatty. Really nothing to get worked up about. From what you've described, it doesn't sound like she deserves the vitriol and scorn you're pouring down on her, but by all means, go next door next time.

btw, I don't even live in UK, but have a Boots card, and still tot up enough to get a free bottle of Calpol or whatever when I'm over, so I agree, it is worth having.

justneedsomesleep · 12/03/2008 06:57

YABU, i'm sorry. [hmn]
Maybe you were having a bad day? Not in a chatty mood? As far as I can see she didn't say anything rude or offensive but was friendly and helpful. Sorry.

Would you rather she was a sour faced mean old witch who didn't bother her arse to save you some money and ignored you and your daughter or even worse was mean to you and your daughter - then you would have something to complain about. Or maybe you would?

2sugars · 12/03/2008 07:04

BH, is (and I don't mean it in a patronising way) your first child? Have just re-read your post and realised it happened 'the other week'. Just a bit concerned you're still dwelling on it.

allgonebellyup · 12/03/2008 07:11

well i kind of understand why youre peed off!
as i was young when i had dd (20) i always found other women would be making little comments all the time about how my dd was hungry, or should have more suncream on, or a thicker coat etc.
it used to drive me mad with rage, the fact that they thought they could tell me what to do, or that i wasnt old enough to be a good mother to my child.

allgonebellyup · 12/03/2008 07:12

Although now 8 yrs later i just tend to think they are being friendly!!!

suzywong · 12/03/2008 07:33

you sound like you could be PG, to me.... are you?

saltire · 12/03/2008 07:46

The biggest complaint that many Boots stores get on their feedback forms are that "the stuff were unfriendly" or "the staff look really miserable".
She was just trying to be friendly to you. The Advantage card does rack up the points which can then be spent on a treat for yourself (or your child). Baby club member gets extra points coupons for things like nappies, wipes, etc. health clube members get half price on a lot of health care products, including baby/child ibuprofen and paracetamol

MyBuzzyLittleFriend · 12/03/2008 07:52

Get a grip.

Disenchanted · 12/03/2008 07:55

She sounds lovely

brimfull · 12/03/2008 07:56

You need to chill.

She was just being friendly.

Disenchanted · 12/03/2008 07:59

The was at the OP,

my post looks sarcastic,

It wasnt meant to, the shop lady does sound lovely, I dont know why you would feel pissed at her!

hippipotami · 12/03/2008 08:00

Oh for heavens sake - she was just being friendly, don't be so hedgehoggy!

If she has only said yes and no and given a weak smile you would be lamenting that people in shops are rude and monosyllabic!

And as for attacking Shakeysgirl - that was uncalled for....

So yes, you are being U.

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