I definitely live in the wrong country. The last time I went into a shopping centre a vendor was staring at me, seemingly asking if I really was going to buy something there (which is impossible anyway, because you aren't going to find what you are looking for in the first place)
And they really ask "How are you today?" in a Supermarket? OMG! I'm startled if someone says "Hello" to me.
*giggle* Well, I can relate. But things are changing - even in our part of Germany. If you've ever been to a newly opened store, you'll see the difference. Especially if the same place holds a new store every few years, but keeps the employees. That way, they get trained over and over - leading to rather strange situations. Sometimes they are so nice (and sounding all disinterested) that I just want to run away screaming. But with time, they get the hang of it, and even I start to feel natural talking to the cashier.
People working at certain types of retail outlets - fast-food or concession stands - are trained to interact in a different way: they must tell customers all about daily specials, they must ask would you like a drink with that? or Is there anything else I can get you? - and since this interaction can double or even triple a sale it's considered very important. Personally, I just want my coffee and I don't want to be asked if I want a doughnut with that
but it's what people are trained to do...
You don't know how right you are. I've worked for McDonald's for several years, and trust me, we got 'trained' on it repeatedly. Although we usually get
a) no response...
b) a very unfriendly response...
c) the question whether the item in question is for free or...
d) confirmation that we're talking to a mystery shopper because he actually agrees to buy something else.
Anyway, the stupid question "Do you want to have ..., too?" sure causes a lot of 'interesting' scenes. Interacting with an angered or annoyed customer is always interesting, to say the least.
