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I'm back in a department store


Phyllis4732

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Almost 4-1/2 years ago, was my last day merchandising in a department store. When Sir Bleed came, some individuals were given the gift of some great jobs and I ended up in rehab. In about 2 months, I will start my 20th year as a Field merchandiser. I loved the work and still do, and I think of all the lines I've serviced in that time, I most enjoyed the department stores, especially during the holidays when they all were decorated big time. I worked several "part time" jobs and the work was very varied from sunglasses to carpet metals many feet taller than I.I worked in every department store in Dade, (now called Miami Dade), Broward and Palm Beach County (Burdine's (a Florida chain), now turned into more Macy's, Macy's, Lord and Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, J C Penney, and some no longer in business in Florida like Bonwit Teller and Jacobson's (from Indiana). And of course the office types like Office Depot, Office Max, the appliance places, Circuit City,Best Buy and of course, Home Depot, K- Mart, Target that I loved ,and what ended up being the icing on the stroke Wal-Mart. Oh and numerous small individual shops.

 

Today was a Red letter day, I returned to the department store scene going to Belk's to service Tandy Products both of which I never have done in all that time.

 

When I entered the acute rehab, the rehab doctor who I imagine decided what I needed, asked a question he does all of his patients- "What do you want". The answer for me was easy. I said I knew I wouldn't be as good as I was, but that I wanted to go back to work. With the wonderful therapists I had there and those at the step-down, in about 4 to 5 months I was job hunting and soon able to drive to the first job I had gotten. Things were different here, I'd only be working in 3 counties (actually 4 I think by mistake) and each county only had perhaps 2 or 3 if it is as larg as Volusia County where I live similar stores (as a chain store) That meant that department stores were few and the people in the position were happy with their jobs and stayed. This area is big on grocery chains and resetting them or the home improvemen stores that have those very high ladders - not the thing for a person with bad balance. Also, you worked not by county but miles from your home especially with gas as it is now priced.

 

The Belk's store just opened in Flagler County where I will be living and within the mileage from here and that gave me the opportunity. I do it for a company that is in the same city as the company I worked for when I worked in Target. When I applied a few years ago and they found that out, they knew I knew my stuff. I hope I will get the new super Target they are building in the dame town as Belk.

 

Was it east going back? To be honest, no. The groceries, and mass merchandisers like Lowe's, Home Depots , K-Mart, Walmart and even Target have carts which are a blessing and very similar to using a rollator (but no brakes). In a department store, you're all on your own. But, did I enjoy it? You "betcha". I was in seventh heaven returning wallets to the state they should be in- zippers closed, snaps snapped and price tickets inside. The fixtures looked as they did when the store first opened. If I must say so myself, I did well.

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Congatulations on returning to a job that you love. It is a big accomplishment and something hat you should be proud of. Best of luck as you move forward.

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PHYL,

 

CONGRATS!! WILL I BE RUNNING INTO YOU WHEN I GO FOR EARLY BIRD SPECIALS AT 4 AM FRIDAY MORNING? ACTUALLY, I'M GIVING THE DEVALUED DOLLAR THIS YEAR JUST TO KEEP OUT OF THE STORES. MY WIFE CAN HANDLE THE SHOPPING MISSION FOR THE GRANDKIDS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

MARTY :party:

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:clap: :clap: :clap: :congrats: I am sooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you. That is wonderful news. I could "see" your smile as you were typing the news.

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