More than any other social setting, retail stores are the best place to pick-up women. The sales girl scenario eliminates the uncomfortable first line flubs, the loud music of a bar or club, and the 'why is this guy talking to me' look. You are the customer, she is the sales person. The reason for small talk is understood.

This doesn't mean it’s easy pickings and that you’re walking out of the place with the merchandise AND a date for drinks after closing time. There are still factors to consider, and a plan of attack is crucial. Once you’ve gotten your intended target’s attention, remember these simple rules:

1. Have a Plan
First make sure the store is a place you would actually shop. I don't care how smoking-fine the girl is in Modern Maternity, there are few reasons for you to step foot in the store, none of them good. Think about what the store sells and think of products you would actually purchase. This scenario could result in a sale and the last thing you need is another pair of chick's running shorts.

2. Start Off Legit
Actually have a legitimate question ready so that you catch her off guard when you eventually start to drop the lines on her. Start a discussion about the products. Rock her defenses to sleep with your interests in shirt shrinkage and sunglass durability. It's important to be inquisitive but not clueless. Ask her opinion but stick to your own personal tastes. Mesh tank tops aren't for everyone, no matter how hot she thinks they look on men.

3. The Smooth Transition
This part is crucial. Taking the conversation from business to pleasure will involve some clever talk. You don't want the cash register in her head to realize you are hitting on her and let her have the chance to hit the cancel button. Use the products as a transition to a personal discussion. You need a new book for your business trip to San Francisco. The blue tie will go great with the pinstripe suit you are wearing to the "Save the Poor Children and Their Cute Pets" fundraiser this weekend. Does she like traveling or cute pets?

4. Be Prepared for a Second Shopping Trip
Those pants you're buying weren't stitched in a day. (Fine, maybe they were, but some 5-year-old had to work double overtime to get them done.) The point is that good things come to those who wait. Don’t try too hard to seal the deal. Make a return trip to the store the following week and thank her for her help and tell her your success story. Live to fight and ask her out another day.

5. Make an Impression
Other things to keep in mind are that she could be married, dating someone, or just not interested. You also aren’t the first person to hit on her that week. Hell, maybe even that day. This could happen to her more often than an actual sale, so you have to make an impression. Be funny but not a clown. Be smart but not smug. She sees hundreds of people a week in her line of work so she might forget about you the moment you walk into the changing room. If you've tried and failed it's best to move on and chalk it up to a learning experience. There are countless other sales girls in countless other malls.

Unless you've tried and failed in every store in town. Then I suggest shopping catalog and hitting on the customer service rep.