Backroom Antics: The Naughty Side of Retail ??

What happens in the back of house stays in the back of house. Or DOES IT??

Ooooooooh, come on: don’t look so fake-surprised. Are you really going to pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about?

Hook-ups and romance happen ALL. THE. TIME. in retail ??

I mean, sure: they can happen in any workplace. But there’s just SOMETHING about our industry, isn’t there??

Being in close proximity with the same people, in a small space, for that many hours a week?

(or maybe it’s also the fact that we have to deal with the most stressful customers and need to—cough cough—relieve the tension?)

Aaaaaaaaaaaanyway, my point is:?

if you’ve worked in retail for years and have never DONE or SEEN anything naughty in your stores, there are only 3 possible explanations

1. Your set of morals is stronger than my first coffee of the day (that’s impressive, I’ll give you that!)
2. You’re just as perceptive as the kinds of customers who ask for a product while standing right in front of that display (“Do a half-pirouette for me, Karen, won’t you?”)
3. You’re lying ??

Me??

In this newsletter, I’m mainly here to talk about whether workplace romances and hook-ups are good or bad for your stores.

Buuuuuuuuuuut I’m also brave enough to spill the tea ????

My real-life examples of ‘funny business’ in the retail business

And before you ask: yes, these are ALL factual stories?

[Disclaimer: did I catch you doing something like that when we worked together in the past? And now you’re even sweatier and on higher alert than when it actually happened? Don’t worry: I won’t mention names—except for the last one! ??]

• One of my team members was dating TWO colleagues at the same time. At least, they were all aware of the… err, situationship?
• I once walked in on a female staff member flashing a male colleague in the stockroom
• One of my first managers propositioned me in the back of house (it’s always the back of house, isn’t it?)
• I was once alerted of a supervisor entering the store super early. Like… 7am early. Really keen to get started with work? Trying to squeeze in a little workout before his shift? Err, the condom packet in the staffroom bin proved it was that other type of workout
• I secretly dated the menswear specialist for a while. But hey! Our performance wasn’t affected, and 15 years later, we’re married with a kid. So, I’d say that wasn’t too naughty, right? ??

In other words, “funny business” happens all the time in retail. What does this mean for your stores, though??

Let’s start with the negatives because I want to end this on a positive note (I mean, it’s Valentine’s month, after all ??)

The CONS of romance and hook-ups in retail ??

?? Dating coworkers can make things #awkward – From big personal fights to petty arguments… It’s easy to say “We’ll be professional about it” when you first start seeing each. Not AS easy after you’ve spent the previous night arguing over what you’re going to do during your only day off together in two weeks

?? It can make everyone else’s lives miserable – Flirting, sneaking around, finding any excuse to spend time together… The two of you might feel like you’re in a rom-com. The rest of the team, on the other hand? Not that thrilled about it, I’m afraid

?? Your staff might leave – If that relationship doesn’t go well, one of the two (or three, like in that old team member’s situation) might leave. I’ve yet to see “working with my ex” on anyone’s vision board

But is it aaaaaaaaaall negative?

The PROS of romance and hook-ups in retail ??

?? Higher motivation – Suddenly, a 10-hour shift on a Saturday with that co-worker (wink wink) becomes something your team member looks forward to

?? Happy teams, happy customers – Complicity, laughter, feeling-like-the-protagonist-of-a-romance-novel kind of mood. When your team members are happy and (??) satisfied, it’ll translate into the most energising customer experience

So, should you do anything about romantic relationships in your stores?

Well, here’s my 2 cents:

? Having a policy in place – Most retail brands require you to disclose a relationship to HR. This is mainly about signing a paper to say it’s consensual for both parties but it can mean more if there’s a power disparity between the two (or three, remember?). In fact, it's unlikely they’ll let one manage the other?

? But that’s just for full-on relationships! – Anything else? Well, good luck catching and monitoring that! And to be honest… Do you really need to, anyway? As I said before, “happy teams, happy customers”?

Also, if you’ve made it this far without feeling the urge to type “tHiS iSn’T fAcEbOoK”, you’re my kind of person.?

Do you enjoy my energy? Book a talk to elevate your customer experience, develop your leadership, and boost your team’s skills and confidence ??

I promise: I won’t call anyone out or ask them what they’ve done in your backroom.

(And if you had genuinely never thought about this before… Well, I apologise for making you paranoid about walking into the back of house unannounced)

Kayleigh

Founder of The International Retail Academy ?

PS. The Retail Comedy Club is the newsletter for retail leaders and managers craving to feel heard and brave enough to feel seen. All while having a good chuckle—not that fake customer service laugh

Enjoyed this issue?

• Share it with your retail peers
• Subscribe to The Retail Comedy Club to never miss a chance to laugh or cry about our industry (err, I mean “a new issue”)

?? Unlock the full potential of your team and store

Future-proof your customer experience with The International Retail Academy . In a sea of sameness, YOUR people and YOUR stores will finally stand out.

We offer motivational speaking, customer experience & sales workshops, and leadership development. Get in touch to discuss the right next step for your stores or to hire Kayleigh as a speaker | Send an enquiry – Book a call ?