Many people who have worked at retail stores in malls have shared their juicy secrets and stories. One person who worked as a guest services supervisor at a mall in LA revealed that security personnel often caught people having sex in their cars in the parking structure, which led to some comical situations caught on camera. Another former employee of a Victoria’s Secret PINK store shared that they were often forced to accept clearly worn underwear as returns, with one manager even advising them to wipe away stains and put the items back on the floor for sale. A former employee of Abercrombie revealed how the managers used to recruit “hot people” from college campuses near the mall, creating a toxic environment where blondes were favored over brunettes on the sales floor.
In another shocking story, a former Nordstrom employee walked in on someone masturbating in a public bathroom stall. This experience left them traumatized and wary of entering public bathrooms without knocking first. Meanwhile, a former manager of a mall kiosk store in the 1990s described the long hours and lack of breaks they experienced due to being understaffed, ultimately leading to their abrupt resignation. Another retail store employee shared insights into sales tactics, revealing that many items are never truly on sale, with prices often artificially inflated to give the appearance of a discount.
Some employees have shared stories about the challenges they faced in their roles, such as working in cramped back rooms with health hazards, dealing with shoplifting issues, and witnessing multiple deaths at the mall. A former American Eagle employee disclosed a little-known secret that the store accepts returns at any time, even without a receipt, for a store credit at the current sale price. This policy allowed customers to return items for store credit regardless of the age or condition of the product.
Other employees shared insights into mall practices, such as the strategic use of music to attract customers and increase sales. A former employee revealed that playing loud music in a clothing store would often draw more customers, leading to higher revenue during those shifts. Additionally, employees in stores that are going out of business often face challenging situations, as everything, including fixtures and displays, is priced for sale by the bank liquidating the assets.
Overall, working in a mall store can come with its fair share of challenges, surprises, and secrets. From dealing with unruly customers and shoplifters to navigating corporate policies and sales tactics, employees have shared a wide range of experiences that shed light on the inner workings of the mall retail industry.
