Final answer:
The sales associate should politely ask the child and their guardian to relocate based on a similar personal experience where proactive and clear communication resolved a customer service issue, thereby ensuring a positive customer experience and upholding store policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Business, which involves dealing with client relations and store policies. Given the situation where a child with an ice cream cone stands near the newest laptops in a computer store with a no food or drink policy, the most appropriate action for a sales associate would be option C: Politely ask the child and their guardian to relocate. It is important for store employees to uphold store policies while also ensuring that customers feel valued and respected.
Reflecting on my experience as a lunch-hour manager who effectively resolved customer complaints, I would suggest that the sales associate take a proactive approach, similar to how I utilized floor markings to guide customer line-ups in the restaurant. The associate should communicate effectively with the guardian to prevent any potential damage to the electronics without making the customer feel unwelcome. Just as my intervention in the restaurant improved customer turnover, the associate's polite intervention can protect store merchandise and maintain a positive customer experience.