Sigh. Shouldn't even have to say it...

ATTN: Holiday Shoppers

When you see an employee entering/leaving a store/kiosk wearing coat/scarf/mittens/gloves (and carrying a purse, if they're a female), for the love of god, if there are other employees, ask the other employee(s) for help! The poor person is either just getting in and wants to put their stuff away and clock in, etc; or they are just leaving, have clocked out, and have absolutely no reason or desire to help you when they have other co-workers who are perfectly happy to keep working since they are, you know, still working. Don't be rude. Sure, some people honestly don't mind. But everybody else just wants to go on with their lives, see their families, do their own shopping, etc. Some have to be elsewhere by a certain time! Some are going to another job!

So, please, don't be an ass. Let leaving store employees go the fuck home. Let the person just getting there at least take off their coat before you jump on them and demand that they help you. Have a little common courtesy here. We know you want to get your Christmas shopping done -- and we're happy to help you. If we're on the clock.

Also? Don't ever, ever, bother an employee who's carrying their food in their hands, or making a very fast beeline to a restroom. Your life will not end if you have to ask someone else to help you.

Thank you,
Your Ever Put Upon Retail Workers

This is also a good moment to make note of my cranky!Santa Hat Wearing!Stephen icon, made by lesadoreyl.