I own a store (I’m going to keep it vague so no one identifies me) in our community. My two aunts love to come and help me out at the store. When I first opened about a dozen years ago they had both just retired, neither had grandchildren and both were full of great ideas and energy.
Fast forward, they both have several grandchildren, are a decade older and have less energy. I have zero expectations of their availability, so when they come, they’re superfluous anyway. However, they have now started using my store as an escape.
They arrive in the middle of the day, flounce in, start chatting with my employees and then proceed to chat with each other. I wouldn’t mind that they use my space as a safe haven except they get in the way of the customers’ shopping experience. How can I get that message across with the utmost of kindness? It’s hard for me to come up with ideas since I don’t have a clue what the store sells, or how the space looks.
However, since the weather is warmer, is there an outdoor area — even out back — where you could set up a little seating area, with a bistro table and chairs for your aunts to congregate? If your store sells any furniture, food, kitchenware, clothing, knick-knacks, is there a corner that could be turned into an inviting nook for them? I’m just thinking that if they have a specified space, they won’t get in the customers’ way, but could add to the ambience. If that doesn’t work, I suggest taking them out to lunch and h.
