Resist the temptation of the store staff

They say that hate and love are very close together. That's true. At least in the realm of shopping. There's little more enjoyable than a fresh new outfit, but at the same time, there's also little worse than stores. Actually, if you think about it, stores are often hell. Sighing store staff, THE dress that is no longer available in your size, poor lighting in the too-small fitting room, endless lines, and pushy store staff. Especially the latter is a thorn in my side. I hate it when I come out of a fitting room and the saleswoman asks “if everything went well.” What is one supposed to answer to that?! Yes, I was able to put on the clothes, but no, I'm not going to buy them – I usually mumble something and walk on. Another annoying trait of store staff is that they always manage to entice you into purchases that I actually don't want to make, resulting in a closet full of mistakes. After quite a few shopping hours, I've figured out a bit how they keep pulling this off, so grab a pen and paper and take note, these are their tricks that suddenly have you walking out the door with a white legging and a purple dress.

1. They force you to experience the piece, which makes you think you want to buy it immediately. You really have to try on that dress, or spray that perfume, or try on that bag. Then you're parked in front of the mirror (where there's a very subtle slimming effect) and flooded with praise. It looks so good, the color is perfect for your skin, you can actually wear it anytime, in short, you're crazy if you don't buy it.

2. The garment is presented with a bravado that even Hans Klok would envy. No crumpled rag or a dull hanger, the dress/jacket/pants/skirt/whatever is hung in front of you with a gust of wind, making you think you're dealing with something really special. Bags are picked up with two hands, a dress is presented by holding the hanger with one hand and subtly making the bottom wave with the other. It's like a professional cocktail shaker, doing a lot of exciting movements, and you think your cocktail is suddenly worth that 25 euros.

3. They entice you with golden mountains. Beware of phrases like “I have the perféct shoes to go with that” or “those pants look amazing on you and I have a beautiful top to go with it.” You only want those pants, right? Ignore the top. Want only the dress? Ignore the shoes. Don't fall for it. As soon as you've had to wait 10 minutes for something, you quickly get the idea that you can't say no anymore because “he's already put so much effort into it.”

4. They make you emotionally attached to a piece. Instead of saying that the fabric is very soft, they let you feel it yourself. Saying that the leather of that bag is very special comes across better when you smell or feel it. Before you know it, you've experienced with all six of your senses that the piece in question is really a good purchase, while you weren't even looking for a leather pants or bag.