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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:
Desiderata · 12/03/2008 16:03
Desiderata · 12/03/2008 16:03
BumperliciousIsStillNotDressed · 12/03/2008 16:12

You should go to the chemist next door anyway. support local businesses

MrsJohnCusack · 12/03/2008 18:50

squonk and coffeeandchocolate, it's the OP's second post, directed at shakeysgirl, that got my back up - yes the OP sounds like she is v.stressed to get so worked up over some poor talkative woman, but the second post was just downright aggressive and rude

anyway, whatever

Desiderata · 12/03/2008 18:52

I agree with MrsJC. It was totally uncalled for. The OP deserves the derision, imo.

fryalot · 12/03/2008 19:34

aaaah! well, that'll teach me to read the op and a selected few posts!

okay, you're right, she's a nutjob and deserves everything that we can throw at her

MiniEggsMmm · 12/03/2008 19:46

I have to say the boots advantage card is handy. I have £20 odd on mine at the moment and it's a great way of treating yourself with the points without feeling guilty!

Op you are missing out imho!

CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 12/03/2008 19:55

My mum worked in Boots in the 70/80s in the chemist bit.She actually used to berate parents whos children were not wrapped up in the winter (though I know this was not the case with you.I always tale my dc hats off whedn I go inside as I remember the old saying "you wont feel the benfit...") she worked in quited a deprived area and I remember telling me once that a woman brought a v sick child in and presented a prescription that was over a week old and my mum tore a strip of her!

I think in your case the lady was just being friendly.

Threadworm · 12/03/2008 20:08

I am worried about the chemist that is right next door to Boots. Does it get any customers do you suppose?

WendyWeber · 12/03/2008 20:13

At Uxbridge tube many many years ago there was a Boots one side of the entrance and a Timothy Whites in the same spot on the other side. I did feel sorry for the TW staff when they merged

milkgoddess · 12/03/2008 21:53

op you are not being unreasonable, how dare a shop assistant even look at you let alone talk to you.
next time just spit on her as you go past.
have a nice day

UniversallyChallenged · 12/03/2008 22:23

yes milkgoddess - it's almost as though they think they are our equals (sniffs)

Still at least it's Boots and not TESCO imagine the people who work there talking to you

steviesgirl · 12/03/2008 23:57

Well, what a miserable and irate person she seems.

I feel sorry for her husband (or partner) if she has one. She probably tells him to fuck off
in the morning when he says goodbye. And when he comes in from work she probably says "don't speak to me you old git, go and make your own tea"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The wife from hell i'd say, LOL

winniethewino · 13/03/2008 00:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

winniethewino · 13/03/2008 00:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WendyWeber · 13/03/2008 00:38

It is clear that this is a wind-up! Are all the indignant replies really serious???

WendyWeber · 13/03/2008 00:38

I suspect Greensleeves, btw.

MotherFunk · 13/03/2008 00:48

Message withdrawn

MrsJohnCusack · 13/03/2008 01:28

i did suspect it was a windup
even so, still v.rude to poor old shakeysgirl so my crossness with that stands anyway

poster has posted before though

MotherFunk · 13/03/2008 01:30

Message withdrawn

egypt · 13/03/2008 01:31

not sure this is a wind up

when you look at her few posts over the last year, the age of her lo is consistent. but why can i not see this thread when i search?

MotherFunk · 13/03/2008 02:09

Message withdrawn

foofi · 13/03/2008 03:18

What a funny thread.

(Incidentally I actually DO get annoyed with the staff in Boots but that's because they insist on interrogating me about any medicines I buy and why I'm buying them )

milkgoddess · 13/03/2008 09:49

er, foofi, that is a pathetic reason to get annoyed.. they have to ask about your medicines, its their job.

saltire · 13/03/2008 09:54

foofi - they have to ask. What would happen if you were on some form of medication, that reacted with something like Sudafed, or Benylin? They need to know what medication you are taking and can then advise you on teh best treatment for you

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