This is my 20th Christmas season working in the mall. As I write this I am still amazed I have been working that long. Yes its rare, but I started my job when I was 14, and I am still there. I have worked every position in the company and now answer to the owner. I oversee 7 stores, 5 scattered around the Detroit Area and 2 more up in Flint.
Black Friday through Christmas is our busiest time. It is 6 weeks of business that is pretty hectic. Having 7 stores, I have dealt with freezers breaking, machinery failing, delivery issues, products out of stock, and a case of the swine flu this week alone. I drove 189 miles today and didn't even head to Flint. (Will be there tomorrow:) I will be working weekends through the end of the year, checking on the stores and making sure lines are moving, product is being made and sold, managers are not stressing out, workers show up and all equipment is working.
Some years are better than others. Judging by my day today, I think this may be a rough year. Sales are down, Mall traffic is down, and the only thing that may work out in our favor is, last year we had a lot of snow and ice storms before Christmas and if the weather holds up and is warm like it has been we may make up for the slow start. We are slow if it snows or rains and busy if its just cold.I hope the snow holds off!
Customers I came across today were in good moods, and patient. I even had a guy in the parking lot at my busiest mall flag me down and give me his fantastic parking spot! That was a nice PLUS! Malls were busy, but I have seen busier.
So as others made plans to hit all the of their favorite shopping places, I made my rounds to my stores, helped out where I could, and hoped for more sales as the day and the season progress.
Happy Holidays!
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