Recently, I started browsing the web for any comments that have been posted, by consumers, that refer to our store and I found three. I have to admit, I was rather disappointed that there were only three comments but then I had to take into consideration when these comments were posted; '05' and '08'. Yep, I guess it's true that once something is put on the web it is there forever. Anyways, these comments were posted and, for me, it was a little nostalgic;
'Love going to _____________. Prices are great and customer service is always there if help is needed.'
'I always leave feeling good.'
'Pharmacy - great service, echoes same service as the rest of the store. Always consistent.'
Those were the good old days. Back then, as an employee, you took ownership of the store. If you were an employee of Bakery, Floral, Produce, etc., you had the opportunity to take your ideas and create something for the customers. These creations would start out as a test to see if customers liked them, if they were a hit then these creations would become a staple of the department. For instance, our Bakery Department became noted for the many different types of cakes that could be created; in the Produce Department, one of the guys started packaging sliced peppers, onions, mushrooms for stir fry, or other recipes, and then there were the fruit salads; in Floral, creations of cut arrangements in vases and baskets, single roses in decorative boxes. All of this sounds rather common and these are items that can be found in any grocery store, but at that time these items were not offered in the other company stores and were not available to order - they were simply the creations of the staff. In this way the employees took on a form of ownership, they made it their own.
These employees came up with ideas that served customers in a personal way. Giving the customers what they wanted, when they wanted it. We found out that it was that personal touch that gave customer service a whole new meaning and, in the process, the store became noted for this added touch. It became a win, win situation.
Employees, most generally, become an untapped source and are merely hired to do a job, maintain company policies and project a positive attitude towards the customers. And, it is unfortunate that this well of knowledge and creativity gets put to the side. For, as we saw in the years past, these people provide ideas and creations that can promote a new market for these companies that, not only, can improve sales but provide customers with what they want.
The good old days may be gone, but they are not forgotten. As employees, we had an ability and we used it for the good of the company and customers alike and at the same time it provided much for us as well. This gave us a feeling of ownership which made us feel like we were a part of something and showed that we had something to offer.
Talk at ya later!
'Love going to _____________. Prices are great and customer service is always there if help is needed.'
'I always leave feeling good.'
'Pharmacy - great service, echoes same service as the rest of the store. Always consistent.'
Those were the good old days. Back then, as an employee, you took ownership of the store. If you were an employee of Bakery, Floral, Produce, etc., you had the opportunity to take your ideas and create something for the customers. These creations would start out as a test to see if customers liked them, if they were a hit then these creations would become a staple of the department. For instance, our Bakery Department became noted for the many different types of cakes that could be created; in the Produce Department, one of the guys started packaging sliced peppers, onions, mushrooms for stir fry, or other recipes, and then there were the fruit salads; in Floral, creations of cut arrangements in vases and baskets, single roses in decorative boxes. All of this sounds rather common and these are items that can be found in any grocery store, but at that time these items were not offered in the other company stores and were not available to order - they were simply the creations of the staff. In this way the employees took on a form of ownership, they made it their own.
These employees came up with ideas that served customers in a personal way. Giving the customers what they wanted, when they wanted it. We found out that it was that personal touch that gave customer service a whole new meaning and, in the process, the store became noted for this added touch. It became a win, win situation.
Employees, most generally, become an untapped source and are merely hired to do a job, maintain company policies and project a positive attitude towards the customers. And, it is unfortunate that this well of knowledge and creativity gets put to the side. For, as we saw in the years past, these people provide ideas and creations that can promote a new market for these companies that, not only, can improve sales but provide customers with what they want.
The good old days may be gone, but they are not forgotten. As employees, we had an ability and we used it for the good of the company and customers alike and at the same time it provided much for us as well. This gave us a feeling of ownership which made us feel like we were a part of something and showed that we had something to offer.
Talk at ya later!
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