rabble_rouser

What does a 'can I help you?' from a shop assistant mean here?

Back in England this is delivered in a sarcastic tone, and is well known to be shop assistant code for 'leave the shop now'.

I've had it a few times here already; I had it in Coles last night whilst trying to find a suitably sized meat portion. I was a bit surprised as I have been chased out of small shops often but never a supermarket.

I usually expect to get chased out of shops because I tend to take a long time making decisions, but never large supermarkets?

Pollyana

It means "the boss says I have to act like i can help people even though I actually don't have a clue about the priduct they want'.
Tell them you're just browsing and move away.

TheCreature

Not you is it?

spouse of scouse

Never had 'can I help you?' in a supermarket or large chain store, quite the opposite, I have to walk around the entire place 3 times before physically grabbing someone by the scruff of the neck.

In smaller shops in Perth, 'can I help you?' means one of three things:

"I'm on commission and I want to sell you something"

"I think you're going to nick something and I'm on to you"

"Can I help you (to find/choose something)?"

EnglishLass

In Coles? The only time I've asked for help in Coles, after finally tracking someone down, they replied with "oh I don't know, I only work here!". I still find that hysterically funny.

SillyOldBag

I work in a supermarket and I often ask customers if they need any help. Sometimes they just look a bit lost - sometimes they're just having a bit of a think, but quite often they just can't find what they're after. I spend a fair bit of time each day taking customers to items all over the store. You get to know your regular shoppers and pass the time of day with them - customer service is very much at the forefront where I work, maybe we're all a bit odd up here

spouse of scouse

I like that kind of odd - can you send some over here?

moneypenny20

Odd down here as well then.