Ugly Shopper?

@p1kef1sh (45681)
August 15, 2009 8:35am CST
According to a recent "research" women feel too intimidated to shop if the assistant is prettier than themselves! I assume that this is based on their own conception of how attractive they feel that they are. It's a good job that men don't suffer from this. I look like a warthog's behind and would never shop anywhere if I based my ability to buy on how handsome the assistant is! Are you an "ugly shopper", dare you buy from an assistant who you thinks looks better than you do?
14 people like this
36 responses
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
15 Aug 09
When it comes to us men and female shopping assistant's, the more attractive they are, the better yes? A handsome male assistant won't bother me in the slightest though and as long as he can help me effectively, then how he looks is irrelevant really. I do try to stay away from male shop assistant's with bigger boobs than the average woman though. They just freak me out a little to be honest.
3 people like this
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
15 Aug 09
With you on that one James72. I'm larger in that area too and I went into Mervyns and Kohls once to buy bras.. and there was a man as the sales clerk in that department . A young man. I'm sorry, but that is just not acceptable for a man to be in a women's undergarment department. I left both times and went elsewhere.. Now I order them directly from Maidenform... I went to their outlet, found my perfect size, wrote down the garment info and ID numbers, went to the web site via a points program I do and ordered them that way! Got them for $5 cheaper (each) that I would have paid at the outlet store and they arrived in less than a week and I also got 500 point in the program to redeem for free gift cards.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
15 Aug 09
It doesn't really make much sense to have a man serving in a women's undergarment section, does it? It may be a great job for him, but so many women would end up being uncomfortable with that scenario for sure. You ended up doing OK in the end because of this hiccup though and that's what counts!
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
15 Aug 09
Hey James, can you get bras for men over there or do they have to buy ones for women, or do they just let them all hang out?
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
15 Aug 09
I am an ugly shopper but I'm not intimidated. Other women may have the gift of beauty but I'm sure that I have a gift that they don't. Looks are only superficial, anyway. I've found that most beautiful women make ugly old women and most ugly young women turn into pretty old women. So that's my compensation! You do NOT look like a warthog's behind! You look like a teddy bear.
3 people like this
@nannacroc (4049)
15 Aug 09
I have to agree, you and my teddy, Growler, do look very similar. Maybe it's the button eyes that do it.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
Funny you should say that. I often feel sorry for pretty women because they don't always age well at all. Me a teddy bear? Hmmm. Growler says Nanna. Perhaps. LOL.
@nannacroc (4049)
15 Aug 09
Too old to care now. I used to be intimidated in clothes shops when I was younger but now I don't care what the assistants look like as long as they are polite.
2 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I can't imagine you being intimidated by anything or anybody Nanna. I wouldn't dream of not being polite with you in the shop!
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
15 Aug 09
I know what you mean, p1kef1sh . I myself have learned not to care. I'm average in all areas except the "upper" area in which I am large there! It is hard to find anything that fits in the chest area, while still fitting else where! I am also only 5'2" so length has always been a problem for me. If I buy it to fit in the waist, it is to long, if I buy to fit in the waist, it is to short. And if I buy to fit in the chest, it is huge all over! IF they clerk is "prettier" than me, I could care less. Used to bother me, but in my recent years, I have learned not to let things like that bother me. They want to look at me bad.. fine, have at it. Most likely I'll never see them again in my life so why should I care? I just do what is right for me as I have to live with myself! But what really bothers me is when a man is in the women's departments. Can't imagen why a man would want to work a woman's dept other than the obvious for an eye full from time to time, but the stores should be better than that and know women don't like men around when they are trying on clothes and such. Throwing in that lately, I have noticed, that many of the women are not any better looking than I am. they even have more less attractive physical attributes than I have...and I have also noticed that those looking "less than perfect" are nicer to the customers than the pretty ones are. I'd rather be treated nicely and professionally than have a pretty face to look at!
2 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I have only very occasionally seen a man in the women's area and never in the lingerie. But I can appreciate how uncomfortable that might be. But nothing beats a professional approach.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
16 Aug 09
I"d a said something... but to who? He wouldn't have cared and to find someone else would have taken just to much time that I didn't want to waste. ANd even then... so what. They'll do what they want to do when they want to do it... people have to have the stores and their prices are good so they dont really care if they loose one here and there
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
15 Aug 09
Hi p1kef1sh, well this is a bit of twaddle for sure, intimidated by the assistant because of their looks. Now although female I do sometimes get a little put off by the chappy in the local food shop who eats pies whilst on the till and still wears his messy jumper in August, I'd much rather be served by the very pretty girl with a nice smiley personality. I expect though that all smiley people in shops will be extinct soon if they have to follow the new smoking ban and aren't allowed to smoke whilst they serve and then we'll all be less well served.
3 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
You certainly aren't allowed to smoke in shops here. I'm not a smoker so I'm not at all upset by that law. Although I thought that it was wrong to ban it in pubs and bars. But a nice smile and a little politeness goes a long way. I wish a few more assistants could work that out.
@Jennlk84 (4206)
• United States
15 Aug 09
Hmm I'm not quite sure what I think about this. Because I am a plus size woman I sometimes think that when I go into a store with "normal sizes" maybe looking for a gift or shopping with someone else, I always wonder if they're thinking - wow what's she doing in here? So that can at times be intimidating. But if I go into a plus size store and am purchasing clothes for myself, I don't think it would bother me to buy my clothes from a prettier sales person. Actually I often look up to them and think wow - she looks good in that outfit, etc.
3 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I suspect that is the way that most sensible women feel. You certainly shouldn't feel intimidated.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
15 Aug 09
Well I never take much notice really, as long as they are polite and nice I never take notice of the looks, I mean why feel threatened by a prettier Assistant ? I don't get it, to me I am me and accept me as I am or leave me I am just me As for you being ugly well I think you are totally wrong there my sweet Friend, I think you have a sweet little Boys Face full of mischief and kindness Hugs xxx
1 person likes this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
15 Aug 09
Lol yes I remember that to it was cute
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
Now I'm blushing Gabs! You just want to get me out of my bra! LOL. XXXX
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
15 Aug 09
hi gabs I think Pikey is really cute and I remember when he wore the pointed bra, really cute there. he he he.,
1 person likes this
• India
15 Aug 09
It is not only the woman, even as a male I feel very intimidated when the sales girls are quite beautiful and well dressed. And if they speak English with an American accent I quietly run away from that place. I am afraid that I may buy something which I do not want because of their sales pressure. I do not feel the same way with any males beautiful or ugly.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I don't feel like that ever. But I can understand how a sophisticated look and sound might make you feel that way.
@littleowl (7157)
15 Aug 09
Hi p1ke, am too old in the tooth, so to say as to what the assistant looks like it doesn't worry me one iota if she is slim pretty and dressed nicely, if I need help whilst shopping whatever it maybe, then I will ask. Anyway nowadays women shop assistants are young it is very seldom you get anyone over their 40's that I know of assisting you..hugs LoLo
1 person likes this
@littleowl (7157)
15 Aug 09
Hi p1ke, You are definitley not too old..it's just I can still remember when anyone could walk into a shop and probably get a job just like that, now you reach the age of 35 and you are too old! That is the main reason it is always youngsters as assisstants..hugs LoLo
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
That's a good point May shop assistants are young these days. Or maybe I'm just getting old! LOL. XXXX
15 Aug 09
Hi p1key, I don't know who makes these researches but it don't boter me as all the assistances are taller and beautiful then me, I used to it ande I have never thought about that, was it a man who made that research? hugs. Tamara xxxx
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
It was a woman Tamara!!! I bet that you're shocked now! LOL. XXXX
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
15 Aug 09
hi tamara oh yeah it must have been a guy.the appearance of the assistants never bother me as i think I look fine 'for an elderly lady. ha,just so they let me alone to do my own browsing instead of can I help youing all over the place.he he he.
15 Aug 09
Ha! must be a woman who is very vain and thinks she is beesknees!!lol!! hugs. Tamara xxxx
@bhanusb (5709)
• India
15 Aug 09
I think it's their inferiority complex.They want to show the assistant is less moneyed person than them.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
That's entirely possible Bhanusb.
@prinzcy (32305)
• Malaysia
15 Aug 09
I don't know how "ugly" I am but I don't think I'll come to the point to be intimidated by the pretty face of the shop assistants (regardless the gender) Besides due to this H1N1 outbreak, most shop assistants will wear a mask, I don't really know whether they're pretty or not. But I think men might like pretty girls as shop assistants.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I am sure that men like pretty girls generally. But not in masks. Stay safe.
@kryzell (921)
• Philippines
15 Aug 09
I feel a bit guilty with this. Not that I hate buying from pretty assistants, it just feels awkward at times, especially if I am looking for a certain fit, which I know will look better on her... or maybe a certain shade of makeup, which suits her better. Nevertheless, this won't stop me from shopping.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
That's interesting. Is it that you think that it suits her better that makes you feel intimidated?
• Indonesia
15 Aug 09
Maybe I'm an ugly shopper.. I don't really see why I must wear certain luxury clothes or high heels when I only need to buy some clothes or shoes. I wanna BUY, not beg something for free. But I must admit that sometimes prettier assistant can make me think twice, because I think "what does she think about me?",etc.. and if that question pop up in my head, I start to feel nervous and look around the shop faster then leave it without buy anything.. Usually this is happen if the assistant only look at me without smile, say hi or offers help. I feel like stupid people and ignored by this pretty assistant. But once she offers me some help and greet me nicely, I start to feel relax and the physical appearance not a matter to me again.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
I believe that we should all be treated with courtesy and politeness. The guy in the suit might be a pauper and the one in torn jeans a millionaire!
• Indonesia
16 Aug 09
Hahaha.. you're right! It always nice to think of it. You really sounds like my father. He prefer to be a millionaire in torn jeans than pauper in suit I always admire those who wear tron jeans evethough they can buy suit
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
16 Aug 09
Well, I do think I am a ugly shopper but 80% of the time I don't in places that have assistances. But I don't feel intimidated by beautiful shop assistances. I feel that they would probably help me make wiser decisions since they themselves appear well dressed and have a knowledge of what would look best on me to bring my better body features out and what to hide.
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
16 Aug 09
I find that after I get home from shopping that some of my choices weren't so good. Especially if hubby just looks and shakes his head and rolls his eyes.. I guess I am the only one that buys leopard Capri's So I do need a little guidance. Someone to say "Girl, what are you thinking?"..
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
16 Aug 09
Oops! almost forgot.."Becca grabs p1key and give him a big bear hug.."
@p1kef1sh (45681)
16 Aug 09
Whatever else, YOU are not an ugly shopper Becky. But I take your point. But it's one thing to allow the assistant to advise you, another to be in awe of them.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
24 Aug 09
Doesn't this go along with the theory that very attractive women are often lonely because boys/men are afraid that if they ask them out they will be rejected? I'm sure there are some snooty establishments that hire snooty people but I probably wouldn't shop there anyway. Whenever I go shopping in dress stores specifically, EVERYONE is more attractive than me. Some assistants are genuinely friendly some are really plastic but I don't let it put me off.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
25 Aug 09
Aww..RUBBISH. I think you're wubbly.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
24 Aug 09
I have heard that theory too. Regrettably I have been unable to test it to see if it's true. I suppose that even very beautiful women have their standards and I fall woefully short! LOL.
1 person likes this
@walijo2008 (4644)
• United States
19 Aug 09
I don't think I'm a "ugly shopper", but I don't like going in a place where the assistant is this little skinny mini, I'm a plus-size shopper and I wouldn't want to tell them what size I was looking for, for fear they would think Gosh, she's big..haha.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
19 Aug 09
On the other hand. Feel sorry for the poor little skinny minis. They need a good meal!
• United States
19 Aug 09
Yeah, thats true..like my husband says if he sees a skinny mini,"they look like they haven't ate since 1988"...haha.
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
18 Aug 09
I donot feel intimidated like that. Never in my life. I do not compare myself to any other women. Not in that situation or any other. Iam who iam and i do not have a problem with that if somebody else has a problem with me thats their problem not mine.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
19 Aug 09
I like your attitude. That's the way that it should be!
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
22 Aug 09
Its a world filled with people of all different shapes, sizes and colors. Except all people and things the way they are. Change the things you can.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
7 Sep 09
I don't care what people look like or what they think of my looks. I'll still shop if they're prettier.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
7 Sep 09
And so you should.
@camomom (7535)
• United States
8 Sep 09
I agree
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
15 Aug 09
Hi P1key! What a great question! I think there must be an age where the appearance of an assistant becomes less of an issue, because I could care less now. However, when I was younger I recall being intimidated by the 'modelesque' assistants...male or female. I usually looked for the more normal-looking ones. At my advanced age, the appearance of assistants doesn't really matter. Frequently I still end up going to the more average-looking assistants...but for a different reason. If it's a cute female assistant there are frequently too many 'Benny Hills' hanging around trying to flirt while supposedly shopping for a gift. And good-looking make assistants certainly are apt to be surrounded by flirting middle-age women. I'd rather go the the average clerk, get my business done and be on my way. Well, unless it's a cute little Warthog's behind working behind the counter...might be tempted to linger then...
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
15 Aug 09
Just pat my snout and I'm yours..... snuffle snuffle. LOL.