This experiment tested the presence of shopping bags and apparel on clothing store clerks’ response times. The time it took for the sales clerk to approach and offer services to the experimenter was timed and recorded after leaving the store. The results showed that sales clerks offered assistance more quickly when the experimenters carried four bags versus no bags and when they were dressed in business versus casual attire. These results imply that customers will receive quicker service from sales clerks if they are nicely dressed or are carrying bags.

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