Inside VS

I swear I didn’t mean for that title to sound as dirty as it does! (maybe)

The other day, Meghann posted about running lingerie and regular lingerie.  I mentioned in the comments that I worked at VS and have plenty of the latter, but my stories from working their were even better!  I realized this might make a good post, although I swear I could write a whole book.

I worked there all through college, and even managed a  bit before finding a job in my field after graduation.  I loved working there for the most part, but like any job, it had it’s own unique issues.  Below are a few stories until that book gets published.  All stories are sadly true, read at your own risk!!!

The Day I Caught Two Tweens Taking Pictures in the Fitting Rooms

Early on in my VS days, I was working in the fitting rooms when two young girls, maaaaybe 14, came in with tons of PINK sweats and ask to try them on.  I let them in separate rooms (VS policy) and went to put some bras away.  I noticed two young boys lingering about 10 feet away.  When I went back to the fitting room, I realized both girls had gone into the same room.  I knocked on the door and told them they couldn’t do that, when I heard one of them say “Quick just take the picture.”  Yep, they were apparently sending photos to their “boyfriends” outside in lingerie, NOT PINK sweats.  I had to get a manager involved and it was awkward for everyone.

The Day Someone Tried to Return Used Underwear

Yes, this happened quiet frequently as disgusting as it may sound.  Most of the time, I could convince people that yes, I knew for a fact that it had been worn and NO, due to sanitary reasons I would not return it.  On this particular day, the woman brought me underwear that the seam was falling out of with no receipt or tags in sight.  I’ve watched enough SVU in my day to realize that as I unfolded them, there was evidence to prove that these panties had been warn recently. Deffer to that what you will.  The customer screamed and yelled and told me she would not leave until she was given her money back.  I had to get gloves out of our first aid kit to finish dealing with the issue.  You’d think that would be enough to embarrassing someone, but no.  I ended up having to give her $5 store credit, damaging out the merch, and sealing up the panties in multiple trash bags before I promptly vomited.

The Day I Had to Retrieve Stolen Merchandise 2 Days Before Christmas

We got a call from mall security that they had retrieved some of our merchandise and that a manager needed to come claim it.  Because the store was so busy with the holiday rush (it’s the biggest one in the district), I had the lovely task to retch our products.  I went to the security office and claimed about $200 of lip gloss and body spray that was stolen by two 15 year old girls.  They used a stroller and a BABY, I’m still not sure whose, to distract employees. They had hit about 6 stories, including Macy’s who would most certainly press charges.  As I tried to get our shiiiiz and get the heck out, one of the girls was screaming at the office who had shown up to not call her guardian.  The office said, “Well if you don’t let me call your Grandma, I will have to take you to jail.”  The girl responded, “I’d rather go to jail than wake up my Gram.  TAKE ME DOWNTOWN!”  This was actually a pretty sad scene.

And now my personal favorite….

The Day I Saw Fake Lady Lumps for the First Time

I was maybe 19 at the time and again, working in the fitting rooms.  [note: clearly, the fitting rooms is where most of the crazy happens!]  A woman came up to me and asked to be fitted since she wasn’t sure of her size.  I told her I’d be happy to do that and started to fit her right over her shirt as we are taught to do.  She asked if I could do it in a fitting room.  Assuming she was shy, I said sure.  This happened sometimes so I thought nothing of it.  As I shut the fitting room door, I turned around to a completely naked woman.  Bruised and scarred.  She informed me she “just had them done” and she thought her doctor went bigger than she wanted, so she wanted to know what size she was.  There is nothing more awkward that being trapped in a small room with a naked stranger telling you all about her surgery.  She measured a 32 DD, fyi.  While it was the first time, it certainly wasn’t the last.  I saw more nude women in my 4 years at VS than I care to remember.  Every time, stripping off their shirt like it aint no thang.

I beg to differ.

I know I’m not alone in the horrors or retail.

What was your first retail job?  What is your best story?!

Have a great Friday and even better weekend!!!