Why do Box Stores Succeed, because that's what you chose.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
I regularly hear folks complaining about Big Box Stores. They say how small local shops are so much more elegant and good for the community. Have you heard this recently, "I like to support local/ family owned businesses." I'm guessing you have. I don't know if I've ever heard somebody say, "I like to support Chain Stores/Franchises." It may not be 'in' to say it but people sure do it, you and I included. Try and remember this though if you really do care about your locally owned businesses, you vote with your wallet not your heart. It's your dollars that dictate what type of stores flourish and those that are forced to close.
Imagined at a Mega-Supermarket near you...
In the dairy section a mother of two bumps into an old friend she hasn't seen in a while. After a brief catch up she casually mentions, "Isn't it a shame that cheese shop down the street closed, it was such a pretty little place. Pass me the Brie please."
Imagined at a Mega-Supermarket near you...
In the dairy section a mother of two bumps into an old friend she hasn't seen in a while. After a brief catch up she casually mentions, "Isn't it a shame that cheese shop down the street closed, it was such a pretty little place. Pass me the Brie please."
Labels: box stores
Monday, July 02, 2007
Went to a certain box store that specializes in books here on the South Shore this morning. Yes sir did I ever get a nice warm and fuzzy, boy am I a valued customer, sir you are important to us feeling. ah hem..
We have a customer that is getting on in age and occasionally asks me to pick something up for her. I don't mind doing this as it helps her out and gives me an excuse to see what's new. I drove the 10 km or so, browsed the shop a bit then picked up the book she wanted and headed for the cash. I was armed with a printout from the website so I knew the item was marked down 34%. Of course the cashier rang it up and asked for full fare. I pulled out my printout and said...but, but, what about the rebate. With a look in her eyes about as empty as my gas tank she tells me 'That's the online price, the sale doesn't apply here.' Yes..I am a valued customer, just not as valued as an anonymous web surfer. At Zeeba Books many of our books are slightly less expensive in our shop. I always thought that if somebody goes out of their way to visit our shop and spend some of their valuable time either speaking with me or perusing our stock then I'd be happy to give then a better deal. It seems that Indigo does not share my thoughts on this.
Have you had any similar experiences?
We have a customer that is getting on in age and occasionally asks me to pick something up for her. I don't mind doing this as it helps her out and gives me an excuse to see what's new. I drove the 10 km or so, browsed the shop a bit then picked up the book she wanted and headed for the cash. I was armed with a printout from the website so I knew the item was marked down 34%. Of course the cashier rang it up and asked for full fare. I pulled out my printout and said...but, but, what about the rebate. With a look in her eyes about as empty as my gas tank she tells me 'That's the online price, the sale doesn't apply here.' Yes..I am a valued customer, just not as valued as an anonymous web surfer. At Zeeba Books many of our books are slightly less expensive in our shop. I always thought that if somebody goes out of their way to visit our shop and spend some of their valuable time either speaking with me or perusing our stock then I'd be happy to give then a better deal. It seems that Indigo does not share my thoughts on this.
Have you had any similar experiences?
Labels: box stores
