My Lingerie Store Experience...

The Store Staff

Rhonda's  heart races the moment she stepped inside. Rows of  lingerie--bras in every color [style], satin chemises, slips, and lace  / plain panties all spread before me like something out of a dream. I pressed my lips together to keep from grinning too widely. Once inside, I feels like I might burst. I can't believe this. I'm actually working at a lingerie shop. [part-time three years now]

This opening paragraph is adapted from the FictionMania story "Mackinaw Bridesmaids" by Jennifer Roberts.  Her character's reaction to her first shopping trip in an lingerie shop. 

I clock in using the iPad and survey todays inventory changes / sales. Yes, the beautiful 36DD bra I have been watching is still on the sale rack. I will get it at the close of my shift if I don't sell today. We get associate discounts. A new addition to the store is our satin and stretch knit cami.  Do we have matching panties?  Of course, in our high-leg vanishing-edge collection.

"How may I help you?" I greet my first customer. Could I get measured, she ask?  Of course and we are able to measure over your clothes.  Step here to the side. Is there anything unusual about your existing bra, like pushup or strapless? "What size are you currently wearing so I have a starting point, I ask? "I measure a 36C".  Would you like to try a bra that has underwires or none?  

"Head back to the changing room, get comfortable and I will bring you three bras in your size to try".  So goes my first sale with two bras wrapped in tissue paper and place in our logo bag. Thank you so much for coming in", I say.

Ever-now-and-again, I will get a request from the fitting room to cut off the tag and the customer will wear the bra home.  That is the ultimate validation that the fit was correct.    

My next customer is looking for deal on panties. What do you have today?  Our vanishing-edge panties in all styles from thong to high-waist are 6 for $39. Our regular panties, without the silicone edge, are buy 5 get two free. "What style do you have in mind and what size. Here is you style / size in this drawer. "You look through and pick 5."  I will check back. Let me know if you need any help. I ring up the five and see that is customer has a $10 reward coupon. She is happy and I complement her taste in picking such beautiful panties.  

Next there were several customers looking for sale sleep-sets. "I don't see my size."  Let me go in the back and see if have that size there. I am reasonably sure that all of the sleep-set are out on the floor, but like for the customer to think we do the extra effort to meet there needs. "Sorry, we don't have that size in the store, however, I can order it for you. It will arrive at your doorstep in 7-10 days, free shipping". "Please do" is her reply.

So my days goes with variation of the above. Are my legs tired at the end of the day? You bet! On the drive home, still, "I can't believe I do actually work at a lingerie store.  

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PS: The photos above were taken at our store on the last day for our store's manager and assistant manager. We had a party and I got a sheet cake with a bra and panty drawn in the cake icing. There have already been some unpleasant changes, so my days may be numbered. I do want to work through this season's holidays.  Black-Friday is so much fun.  I will keep you posted.