How to Shop in a Department Store

Department stores require a basic code of behavior to protect the merchandise and the people selling it. After buying items at online stores for several years, many people forget the rules of conduct that should be maintained in a brick and mortar department store.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the basic rules of the store. Throw out food or drink if they are not allowed. Leave the store if you have a pet with you and the store does not allow pets. Study the front door to see what the store's policies are.

2. Use caution with drinks if you are allowed to carry them within the store. Spilling drinks on clothes may require you to buy them.

3. Watch children to ensure that clothing is not stained or thrown onto the floor. Keep kids from pulling the tags off the items.

4. Take a large number of items to the counter to be held while you keep shopping. Taking items out of their departments might not be allowed. Taking clothes out can also mean that the sales person who has helped you will not get their commission.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do bring a pet, make sure to keep the pet restrained at all times. Pets can quickly destroy merchandise, as well as carpets. Keep pets on leashes or in carriers.
• If you don't like all the rules and regulations, shop at the online version of the department stores. Most chain stores now allow their online shoppers to buy the same things found in the store.
• Don't do anything that will make sales people suspicious. Department stores have shoplifters every day and will watch anyone acting strangely. Don't take more items into dressing rooms than is allowed or take tags off any merchandise.