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This may come as a surprise to some of my younger readers, but there was actually a time when you could go into a clothing store and there would be a clerk there to assist you. I know that is a strange concept to a generation that is accustomed to picking up a cellphone or turning on a computer and shopping online.
The number of bricks and mortar stores, now long gone from your downtown streets, served my generation well. I worked for one of those department stores -- Hornes of Wheeling -- when I was in high school and shortly after I graduated.
Hornes was just one of those retailers that prided itself on service to its customers.
The employees of that store and others in town were known for their attention to detail when helping customers.
The annual dress sale at Hornes was legendary. Hundreds of women would come into the store -- open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the sale. Every employee had been put on notice that it would be a busy day, and it was our job to deliver that personal service that kept patrons coming back. And that's what we did -- with a smile.
Each store in town had its particular appeal to its customers. Stone and Thomas, L.S. Good, JCPenney, Lerners and countless others were successful because of how they treated the shoppers willing to part with their hard-earned money even when times were tough.
The advent of shopping malls and now virtual shopping have kicked many of the traditional retail outlets to the wind.
However, when I think back about those traditional stores, I lament the loss of one thing in particular -- the kind, personal service.
Let's face it. Being able to see and touch a product before buying is really key. And having someone help you physically with your purchase is just as important.
There are some places that still have workers that can help you with a product search. That sure beats scrolling through pictures on an iPhone.
The concept of shopping online is not really new. I can remember my mother looking at the store advertisements in the newspaper and then picking up the phone and calling a store to have an item charged and delivered to the house. Yes, stores did that long before Amazon was glint in its developer's eye.
Maybe I'm stuck in the past, but let me tell you it isn't such a bad place to be. People were a lot friendlier and courteous.
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.