An employee is assisting a customer who is still looking around the store and another customer needs to return. What should you do?

• A. Leave the customer who is still looking around the store.
• B. Yell out to the customer at the register that you will help them out in just a moment.
• C. Ask the customer who is still looking around the store if they can help the customer at the register who needs to make a return.
• D. Tell the customer at the register they can come back in 10 minutes.

Answer: (C)

When two customers need attention, the best approach is to coordinate so both needs are addressed promptly. If one customer is still exploring the store and another needs to return an item, a proactive and courteous solution is to ask the customer who is browsing if they can assist the customer at the register with the return. This keeps the line moving, minimizes wait times, and shows respect for both shoppers—acknowledging the one who’s browsing while ensuring the returning customer is helped without excessive delay.

The other options fail because they either ignore one customer, disrupt the shopping experience with loud interruptions, or postpone service without a clear plan. Asking the browsing customer to help at the register is a practical, courteous way to balance service and efficiency.