In my current line of work, I notice shopping habits. I notice how people shop and what they shop for. I can tell what kind of attitude they have towards shopping. After spending several months “studying” these shopping habits, I have categorized them into my own system of descriptive shopping behaviors.


“The Needy Nancy” -- This shopper comes in the door seeking attention. From the moment they enter the store, they want to be the center of attention. They want to know the sales, specials, and promotions. They want advice on what to try on and how it looks. They want someone to follow them around the store offering them items to try. They want suggestions. They want special treatment. They want the full and undivided attention of the sales associate.

“The Self-Sufficient Shopper” – This is one of the best shoppers a sales associate can encounter. This shopper is usually shopping alone. They smile and are friendly, but usually prefer to shop without being disturbed. They will listen to the sales associate recite the sales and specials, but will then want to be left alone to browse. This shopper is not needy and does require attention. They just want to look and discover things on their own.

“The Clueless Shopper” – In a world of shoppers with a mission, this shopper lacks motivation. This shopper has no idea what they are looking for or what they want. They don’t know what colors look best on them. They don’t know what styles look best on them. They don’t know how to shop or how to dress. They enter a store and wonder aimlessly until they either decide on an unneeded item or leave the store with nothing.

“The ‘I’m In My Own World’ Shopper” – This shopper annoys not only the sales associates, but also their fellow shoppers. Most of the time they are talking loudly on the phone; discussing the most inappropriate of topics with someone miles away. Sometimes they are shopping in pairs or groups. They usually ignore everyone not in their group. They laugh and talk with each other sometimes disturbing those around them. They camp out in dressing rooms as though it’s their own personal closet. They take their time, they don’t get off the phone, and they don’t consider anyone but themselves. They are oblivious to everyone around them.

“The RAB” (Rude A** B***h) – This shopper’s title speaks for itself. To this shopper, nothing is in the right place, nothing is the right price, and nothing is what they expect. This shopper will argue and let everyone know that they think they are superior.


So which shopper are you? I like to think of myself as the “Self-Sufficient Shopper,” and after having worked retail I plan on staying that way.