When Outback Steakhouse first opened, each one that I would go to would have waiters and waitresses that would always either take a chair and sit with me, or kneel down, take my order and chat for a while. At first I was unnerved by it, but overtime knowing what to expect, I came to appreciate it.

I may have been in the minority. Within a year, all locations did away with this practice.

Why would a restaurant discontinue a service that involves making stronger connections with their clientele? Personal space.

We all have a defined area of what's comfortable/uncomfortable with our personal space when out in public. Some of it's personality based, and some of it's culturally based. When we feel someone has crossed into this, we feel uncomfortable.

This applies to toy stores and gift stores as well. Sometimes the line to check out actually prevents people from entering and exiting. In some stores, to read a book, you need to do it standing up, and is in a well traveled pathway. Novelty check out areas can sometimes get congested. You wanted something wrapped, but where do you wait while that's being done?

Some stores when busy, create a maze that leave customers feeling trapped, as every direction they turn their exit is blocked by people.

Before the really busy season kicks in, think about "Personal Space" and how you can provide a comfortable environment for all your customers.

Yes, my experience at Outback has changed. However, I am quite content now sitting in my booth with just my book or magazine. It's quite peaceful.

We have a solution for you. Many of you use our B2B either for ordering or as a resource.

Sandy Ruben • sandyrubeninfo@gmail.com (Hillsborough, NC)  

Katherine Hodges • katherinetoyrep@outlook.com (Garner, NC)

Don Smith • donsmithSRA@gmail.com (Athens, GA)

Valerie Bernstein • valeriebernstein1@gmail.com (Leesburg, AL)    

Misty Blalock Audish • mbaudish@gmail.com (Charlotte, NC)

Rachel Jones • toysalesrep@hotmail.com (Chesapeake, VA)   

Catherine Coury • catherinecoury2@hotmail.com (Raleigh, NC)

Daryll Gunter • toysarecool@yahoo.com (Tallahassee, FL)

Karen Bortle • karenbortle@gmail.com (Clarksville, TN)          

Boone Forst • booneforst@gmail.com (Mt. Pleasant, SC)

Lizzie Lerner • thetoyladyfl@gmail.com (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)

Jeff Griffith • jeffgriffithsra@gmail.com (Greensboro, NC)

Crystal Lemon • cctoysgames@gmail.com (Ft. Lauderdale/Asheville)

Bethany Mathis • bethanytoyrep@gmail.com (Mount Juliet, TN)

Jena Smart • Jena@sandyrubenandassociates.com (Rochester Hills, MI)