10 Important Quotes Every Retail Worker Needs to Hear

by Sarah Niderost, 4 minutes read
HOME blog 10 important quotes every retail worker needs to hear

You’ve helped so many customers who come into your store. You’ve watched them instantly find the item they need. You’ve educated them about products when they’re unsure where to look. And when your store is busy, you stay calm, cool, and collected to deliver the best customer service.

You’ve succeeded.

But every once in a while, your motivation dips and you need a pick-me-up. So here are 10 quotes to get you through those harder days so you can keep owning your shift.

1. On being productive

"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." - Sam Levenson

The hours you work don’t just determine how much time you have to be at work. They also show just how much effort you put into it. This quote reminds you to always keep your eye on the prize, no matter how long it takes — within the duration of your shift of course.

2. On customer service

The thing is, I don’t want to be sold to when I walk into a store. I want to be welcomed.” - Angela Ahrendts

Customer engagement is one of the most important aspects of your job. Always think about how you can make each customer feel like their experience in your store is personalized for their specific wants and needs. The more happy customers you have, the more you’ll attract new ones.

3. On finishing your tasks

"Great things are done by a series of small things done together." – Vincent van Gogh

Some days at work can be more overwhelming than others. When you’re approached with a long list of tasks to accomplish by the end of your shift, remember to take them one at a time. You can also group all similar tasks together so that after one group is done, you can take a break, clear your mind, and get started on the next group.

4. On teamwork

"The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first." - Iyanla Vanzant

Your and your fellow team members are in the same workplace for a reason. You get along with each other socially, and you work closely together every time you clock in for your shift. Your store’s success is not only dependent on you accomplishing your goals, but on them accomplishing theirs as well. Help each other achieve success. The more you do, the more you’ll see your workplace shine.

5. On being determined

No one of achievement has avoided failure, sometimes catastrophic failures, but they keep at it. They learn from mistakes. They don’t quit.” - Barack Obama

Every once in a while, you’ll deal with a dissatisfied customer. You ask how you can help them, and they don’t have an answer. They just want their money back, or they don’t want to come back to your store. You feel defeated. Take these situations as learning lessons, and continue to do what you can to provide quality customer service.

7. On motivation

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” - Paulo Coelho

Think about just how your successes have taken you in your retail career. Imagine what your job would be like if you haven’t learned from your mistakes. When you’re growing and learning, your surroundings just might take after you. You can be a great influence to other coworkers who need some inspiration to grow.

8. On the retail industry

Retail is a customer business. You’re trying to take care of the customer — solve something for the customer. And there’s no way to learn that in the classroom or in the corner office, or away from the customer. You’ve got to be in front of the customer.” - Erik Nordstrom

Your experience working in retail can teach you more than some textbooks or advice from peers. The more you build your skills, the farther it will take you in your career. Speaking with every type of customer can only happen during your shifts. Not in a classroom.

9. On hiring

If you hire people just because they can do a job, they’ll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they’ll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.” - Simon Sinek

When you’re hiring new employees, don’t just think about how much money they can make your business. Onboard candidates who can add value to your team culture, and whose values align with your business’s. When they’re as passionate about their work as you are, you have a stronger foundation for hitting more company milestones.

10. On having a case of the Mondays

You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou

Staring every week on the right food is hard to manage. And you’re not alone. Be resilient, persevere, and motivate yourself to start your week off right.

Aim high

You can fast-track the growth of your retail career by shooting for the stars and setting clear goals for yourself. You love what you do. Don’t let bad days stand in your way of doing work that matters.

Want to learn more about how you can reach your goals faster at your workplace? Sign up for a free trial of Deputy and start streamlining your successes.

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