I worked computer retail for a bit over 3 years and I think the best opening line was always "hello" or "good morning/afternoon/evening", with a by "welcome to [store]".
The best follow-up was to not only look busy but be busy. Stocking shelves or merchandising was always effective. People who want help but are shy about it always seem willing to spontaneously talk with employees who are busy doing something... it's a strange concept.
"Are you looking for pants or tops" is assumptive and manipulative. Remember this chestnut from https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4795139 : "Which one are you most impressed by?" How about neither, you swarmy ass?
> The best follow-up was to not only look busy but be busy. Stocking shelves or merchandising was always effective. People who want help but are shy about it always seem willing to spontaneously talk with employees who are busy doing something... it's a strange concept.
Retail employees don't generally stand around idle -- they always look like they're either doing something, or going somewhere. It's easier to interrupt 'doing something', because at least you know what they're doing.
The best follow-up was to not only look busy but be busy. Stocking shelves or merchandising was always effective. People who want help but are shy about it always seem willing to spontaneously talk with employees who are busy doing something... it's a strange concept.
"Are you looking for pants or tops" is assumptive and manipulative. Remember this chestnut from https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4795139 : "Which one are you most impressed by?" How about neither, you swarmy ass?