In a clothing store, a child is eating ice cream near silk shirts despite a 'No food or drink' rule. What is the associate's best response?

• A. Briefly interrupt the first customer's transaction, ask the second customer kindly to dispose of the ice cream, and offer to hold his selections.
• B. Finish ringing up the first customer, then politely explain to the second customer that he cannot be served until the ice cream is out of the store.
• C. Excuse herself from the first customer briefly and let the second customer know that he will have to pay for anything his child might damage.
• D. Call security or the store manager to deal with the situation, but warn the customer and give him some time to leave.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to enforce the store policy in a calm, proactive way that protects merchandise while preserving good service. The best approach is for the associate to briefly step away from the first customer and clearly inform the parent that food or drinks aren’t allowed near the silk shirts, and that the parent will be responsible for any damage caused by the child. This communicates the rule, sets clear expectations, and assigns responsibility in a non-confrontational manner, which helps prevent potential damage to delicate merchandise without delaying service or escalating the situation.

Other options either disrupt the first customer’s purchase, delay service, or escalate to security without first trying a polite policy reminder, which is less effective in preserving a smooth shopping experience and safeguarding items.