6 hours ago
I’m one of millions working in retail. This Christmas, don’t ask how we are – or we may tell you | Andrew Herrick
So far today I have dealt with 200 customers. I have smiled 200 times, but that’s getting harder. Consider me a checkout robotGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastYou decided to do it differently this year. You usually buy online, with high-minded principle, from a company owned by the least-loathsome billionaire you can find. Instead, this Christmas you gritted your teeth and drove in a hot car to a local business where you (finally) found a park. Then you steadfastly hunted down the gifts that your family members simply must have, worked your way up the cattle race to the counter, upon which you triumphantly spread your purchases. With luck you’ll be out of here and home before the roads get too busy. That man behind the counter doesn’t look happy; who cares: as long as he’s efficient.That’d be me. I’ve been standing in one spot for the last six hours (OK, one toilet break) and have another three to go. I’ve worked in retail for 14 years, and so far today I’v...