New job in retail, need advice how to cope

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I've just gotten my first retail job as a salesperson for a handbag store. While I am happy I have finally gotten my foot in the door I'm afraid I'll be worn out by interacting with people all day. I have been volunteering as a receptionist at a medium sized art gallery while I was looking for a job. I start in a couple of days, how does someone cope while working in retail?

I work in a supermarket and told be my supervisor that the main focus should be to sell as much stuff as possible. So, that's probably the same for you. I was told that my social skills weren't up to scratch - not making eye contact enough, etc. So, you need to do that and always ask, "Is there anything else I can help you with?" at the end.
As to coping I sometimes went out back for a moment when things became too busy. But, try not to do that too often because I don't think you're supervisors would like it.

Your having already had experience dealing with the public in your reception position volunteering will probably help a lot with this one, even though you must be prepared that the contact with people will probably be much more than in the art gallery.

I worked retail and got burned out by it, but then, I didn't have any coping stategies at all and you're several steps ahead of where I was, by being aware.

I would say it helps to kind of "work to a script" when dealing with customers. It's exhausting to have to talk freely and think on the spot in a casual conversation if they draw you into one. But if you keep your interactions very much to a limited "script" of verbal exchanges such as just the standard "Can I help you find anything?" "Is there anything else you need today?" and other standard retail expressions, it can help to minimize any conversation becoming more personalized and therefore exhausting. One of the things that burned me out the most was allowing myself to be drawn into an undue amount of chit-chat with each customer.

You can be still friendly and pleasant but stay very scripted and discourage over-much chit chat -- it's a balance you have to strike, but if you keep in mind it's for your survival, it will be easier. I've only figured this stuff out when it's too later, but if I'd known then, I could have maybe not burned out so badly.

Best of luck in your new job. And take breaks alone whenever an approved one is due.

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So I have done two shifts so far, all I can say is that is not suited to me though I need the job for experience and money. I followed a script which basically went something like this: "good morning, are you shopping for yourself or someone else?" if they continued the conversation, I would say "I have some bags that might interest you, are you looking for something in particular?" etc. I was good with handling cash, made eye contact (didn't stare) and my voice was soft.

It was all great until my manager pulled me aside. My body language was all wrong, I didn't talk enough etc. She also hinted at me that I'll only be given shifts if I make alot of sales, I expected that. I felt really bad after that. Today I'm reading up on body language and some retail hints to improve. I hate the job but I need it until I find one better suited to me