working in sales/retail

Hi all, i just recently got a job in a clothing store as a sales associate, so i'm wondering if anyone here has ever worked in a retail/ sales environment and could give me some tips on how to become better with making a sale.
For example, how you talk with people or how you greet them. Also what kinds of things to say (compliments) could i give if someone wants my opinion on something. Although i have my own ways of talking to people, i just want to know what kinds of strategies some of you guys use and what not

Jam it back in, in the dark.

wow thanks! this is very helpful information . Becuz i just started in the retail business i'm on probation and they dont pay me commissions yet, but i think they do expect me to sell a certain amount. From reading the comments, i only plan to work in retail for at most a year or 2 as part time, since i'm currently a student.
On my first day working, which was yesterday one of my co-workers told me that most customers are stupid so its kinda funny to see that some of you guys share that view. The people i work with are really nice so i dont think this job will be that bad... for now.

There's nowhere I can't reach.