“Walmart, McDonald’s and Target had more than five out of six U.S. consumers shopping with them in 2016, according to “The Checkout Penetration Index,” from The NPD Group’s Checkout Tracking.”
-from Chain Store Age
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Author Archives: skittel
Digital Shelve Signage
Saw this on Saturday at Western Bike Works in Portland.
“…and they blow off steam by spending money. Happily, there is retail at every turn so the crowd doesn’t lack for buying opportunities, and it’s the same everywhere Bravo had been, the airports, the hotels, the arenas and convention centers, in the downtowns and the suburbs alike, retail dominates the land. Somewhere along the way, America became a giant mall with a country attached.”
-from Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain
Experiential retail?
With this simple display, Porch Light captures the mind, the heart and the hands of their customers. Well done!
FINI
Gallery
This gallery contains 2 photos.
The “Expert” – Part 2
This second post on working with experts looks at the customer that perhaps grossly over-estimates their knowledge, is mistaken or is just plain wrong.
Marshall Field supposedly said “The customer is always right.” This is a great way to proceed with your customers unless they are wrong.
In these situation, you can turn to Aleister Crowley and his less famous quote for guidance “The customer is usually wrong but statistics indicate that it doesn’t pay to tell him so.” So, what do you do when the customer is wrong? The key when working with pseudo-experts is to be patient, gentle and respectful.
Is it the end or just a correction?
The former Six Flags Mall in Arlington TX by Timcdfw from WikiCommons
A headline in today’s Seattle Post-Intelligencer proclaimed “The retail apocalypse has officially descended on America.” Quite a dire news story. While the news is of some concern given the shear number of store closures and the job loses they represent, it does not reflect the end or apocalypse of retail. Part of the contraction that we are seeing is the continuing trend of shoppers buying on-line: but another significant issue is the glut of retail space.
Made in America
Who says you can’t get clothes made in America? Suits made in Massachusetts. Shirts made in North Carolina. Ties made in New York City. I admire Brooks Brothers for continuing to offer quality clothing made in the United States. For more information and videos of their facilities, visit:
Kudos to Freddy’s
I lived most of my life in the Midwest. So when I finally caught up with some friends by moving to the PNW, they excitedly shared their love for Fred Meyer, a regional chain owned by Kroger. There are amazing places similar to SuperTarget or Walmart Supercenters. But truth be told, I really never became a regular customer.
But on our recent road trip, we stopped at a Fred Meyer for some supplies and I was reminded of one thing that I, even someone who has never had children, appreciate in the larger Fred Meyer stores, Freddy’s Playland.
Freddy’s Playland is a drop-off day care offering an hour of free care for children 2 to 5 while their parent(s) do their shopping. What a great service and something that keeps Fred Meyer customers loyal. Kudos.
R.I.P. Royal
By Pat Ament from WikiCommons
Royal Robbins passed away Tuesday in Modesto CA.
Robbins was a one of the climbers from the Golden Age of Yosemite climbers. In 1968, he and his wife Liz Burkner opened Royal Robbins Mountain Shop in Modesto and later created the clothing company that also bore his name.
I had the chance to meet Royal at a trade show in the 1980s. It was his humble nature during our meeting that reminds me that in retailing it is not about you but it is about the customer. Rest in peace Royal.
The Observant Customer 