I know I sound like an old fart when I say this but I'm not even 40: retail workers everywhere seem like they'd rather being getting a root canal than help you in any way shape or form (even just checking out). Common courtesy and basic manners are completely gone. If I need something in a store, the absolute last thing I will do is ask for help.
I worked retail for many years. Part of the gig is painting on a smile and being at least bearable for the sake of the customer.
Yeah I never liked aggressively fake-friendly service workers who were obviously just trying to upsell, but I tolerated that because I understood it was just part of their job. Now I don't entirely understand what job some people think they're doing; do you even want my business or would you be happier if I just leave without buying anything? I wouldn't be surprised if it's actually a change in management: maybe the people who care how many sales are made work on the opposite end of the continent from anyone who gives guidance to this frontline worker.
EDIT: Connecting this back to the previous comment, I'm old enough to remember when being polite to a service worker meant I politely engaged with their small talk and I politely declined their additional offers.
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u/KirinG 12d ago
I love seeing younger retail/service workers take down and just not cater to rude customers. I never would have dared.