Let's hear it for the boy...

Department: Guest Services

I have always had good experiences with Target Guest Services, but this past week I got serviced above and beyond the typical Guest experience and I just have to share.

We were in need of a new entertainment console here in the Land of the Charming & Delightful, so I immediately went to my local Target to check out the selection. I quickly found exactly what we needed.

Now, it's no secret that I'm pregnant. Very, very pregnant, in fact. And if you've ever bought RTA furniture from Target or anywhere else you know those boxes are hea-vee. Not a job that a non-pregnant 5'4" hundred and something something pound women should even take on by herself -- though 9 months ago I probably would have tried it.

Not this time, though. No sirree bob... I hurt after carrying laundry baskets up the stairs too many times during the day, so there was no way I could lift a big TV stand box into the cart. Instead, I marched my little pregnant butt up to Guest Services, said "I would like to buy a piece of furniture and I'm wondering if I can get some help getting it in my cart and to my car."

The young girl took one look at me and said, "Oh yes... I've been there... You aren't lifting anything," then found the nearest strapping young man and sent him away with me. I didn't get an eyeroll or anything even resembling attitude. They were both just so willing to help -- even before 8:30 in the morning. He put the box in my cart, helped me maneuver it to the check out, followed me out to my car and put it in with nary a whiff of resentment. I don't know why I'm surprised by this, and I guess I'm not entirely surprised, but things like that do help restore my faith in the service industry.

In the course of my interaction with these two young people -- who were probably in their early 20s, if I had to guess -- I found out that they both have children of their own. So, here you have young parents who work at Target, which, you know, can't pay all that well, but it's probably a pretty good gig depending on your situation. And it's right after the store opened on a weekday morning. They're expecting a slow start to the day, no heavy lifting -- real or theoretical -- but here I come, looking for help, and they are nothing but happy to oblige. I wish I had their names, especially the guy who did all the real heavy lifting, but in lieu of that I'll use my soapbox here at STT to sing the praises of the Guest Services people at the new Target in Chicago on Petersen Ave. Thanks for living up to your department's name and giving this Guest such great Service!