Day 19: Assistants

As you can imagine, being back in the UK means that i have been indulging in a spot of shopping - even if most of it is of the window kind. What with limited luggage space, i can't very well go crazy. And, besides, things are largely cheaper in the US all round. However, this has not stopped me going in - and putting up with (and i NEVER thought i'd say this) the very annoying assistants. Now, in the US, when you walk through the door, the staff usually say hello (if they're around) and more often than not will approach and ask if you want any help (depends on the kind of store naturally). Once they know you're just browsing they usually get the hint, and when you go to pay, they usually ask if you found everything okay, etc. etc. etc. Whilst these are general pleasantries, I find now that it's something i've become used to (aside from the odd occasion when the assistant's nail varnish obviously takes priority over anyone wanting to be served).

Thus, it was something of a reverse culture shock to be reminded how unfriendly the staff can be over here in the UK. Not just in shops, but in bars, garages (gas stations for the Americans), banks, tourist information (the woman at Leeds Station Information tutted loudly and made a big melodrama when i asked for her to help me). I was surprised as, having been in service industries before (a restuarant and a bar), I was always pleasant to customers, even if i was having a bad day. Yet evidently not everyone feels the same. Of course, there are exceptions as with everything (the lady in Pronuptia - a wedding garment store - was falling over herself to be helpful) but i feel quite annoyed that this isn't the norm. And of course, with the (oh-so) British refusal to complain (people tend to just not go back there), then standards aren't going to get any better. Maybe i may take a leaf out of our American cousin's books and make sure they know i'm upset!!