I’ve noticed that a lot of retail establishments lately greet me when I walk through the door, and always the same way: “Welcome in!”
That’s sweet. Nice to be acknowledged, nice to be made to feel welcome. But …
“Welcome in”? What does “In” add to the statement? It’s totally redundant. It means the same as “Welcome!” or “Welcome to Quik-e-Mart!”
Where are you? I’ve never heard “welcome in” in western Pennsylvania. Is it a regional thing?
Here in SoCal, I have not heard it either. It is kinda nice, tho.
Welcome Inn is a hotel brand based on the pun, so I don’t think it’s an uncommon expression.
Never heard it, and it’d take me aback. I’d probably stop, stare quizzically at the greeter, then figure it’s not worth asking about and continue “in”.
I’d be so tempted to reply “Welcome IN? That sounds weird; I don’t think I’ll be ‘in’ at all…” as I back out through the doorway.
Here’s a thread I started on the subject back in 2020:
Needless to say, I started noticing that phrase at retail establishments a few years ago. And like I said in the other thread, it sounds very much like a “corporate speak” greeting to my ears, and I assume it’s something their management is making them say.
Northern California (Bay Area)
And I’m in the Sacramento area. I wonder if the phrase has taken off mostly in NorCal for some reason.
“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!”
Wait, that’s something else.
Could it be “Well, come in!”?
I work for one of the big home improvement stores and thay are pushing the welcome greeting as well, but they don’t require any specific wording.
We had “greeters” too, but at least here in Philly its as much to keep shoplifters from going out the in door as it is a welcome
When I was cashiering in a thrift store, those of us near the entrance were expected to greet incoming customers (wording not dictated).
In the southern US (Georgia or Florida IIRC) we stopped at a restaurant for breakfast. When we walked in every employee there said/shouted, “Good Morning”. We were seated and for the entire time we were there, they did the same spiel each time anyone walked in.
It sucked. I ate hurriedly and we got the hell outa the place.
I guess you’re welcome to come in, but not to leave.
Oh, like Chicken Inn. Where chickens check in, but they don’t check out…
I’m hearing “welcome in” a LOT lately here in SW Washington, and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard it before moving here in June (from Oregon). It’s still sounding strange to me.
“Window shopping” is a thing. I guess you’re welcome either way.
Never heard “Welcome in” before. “Welcome,” “Welcome to [place, store or restaurant]” or “Welcome here” are more common IME.
I commented on this to my wife recently. It’s everywhere out here. I find it irrationally annoying.
Something to do with getting a larger chunk of the vampire demographic, no doubt.