All of us, no matter who we are, who we will become, or who we perceive ourselves to be, will

rely frequently on the work of retail employees in some form or fashion. As someone who has worked in
retail I understand the demand that is placed on the backs of those that work in retail. It may seem
outwardly very simple. But it can easily become quite stressful; especially why customers are difficult.
Despite the societal reliance on such workers, they are treated very poorly. Both by customers and by
their employers. This magazine is a compilation of writings that explore the topic of the mistreatment of
retail workers. Who these people are, how they are mistreated and some explanations why.

The first article in my magazine is piece that will use the persuasion effect to explore the idea of the
mistreatment of retail workers by customers. It will give 2 possible explanations for why customers may
mistreat those working it retail stores and why it is so wrong. Understanding why shoppers may be more
likely to mistreat retailers can help everyone to be more aware of those things so they can stop
themselves from being part of this problem. This article sets the stage for my Second piece of writing.

The Second piece in this magazine is a flash memoir written by myself. In this piece I am given the
opportunity to explore this topic of the mistreatment of retail workers through the lens of my own
personal experiences. I think after the more formal writing of the persuasive piece, this writing brings
the issue a little closer to home. It has always helped me understand an issue when I can see the
perspective of those that are directly involved and affected by it. My hope is that through sharing my
own experience and perspective that those that read this magazine will be able to see the issue though
a slightly different lens.

As a second witness of the personal experiences of retail workers, the third piece of writing included in
this magazine is a profile piece done about Landon Baker, a Pro-services Sales Specialist associate at a
local Lowes Home Improvement Center. Landon shares some of his experience working with customers
and how big of an impact good management can have on the overall conditions felt by retail associates
in the workplace. I think his perspective is very down to earth and will be able to help the readers get a
better idea of the perspective of retail associates. I think he will be able to help all of us “walk a mile in
their shoes”.

My hope is that the combination of these three pieces of writing working together will create a
well rounded, complete image of this issue for the readers. I think the persuasive piece will be a
good introduction to the problem and will set the stage for readers to try to see the plight of
the retail workers that have to put up with so much abuse from customers on a daily basis.