They Made Our Stay Carefree

We visited New York at the end of March during spring break and had the pleasure of staying at an outstanding hotel, DoubleTree, in times square south with the kindest and most accommodating staff we have encountered in quite some time. Great commitment to service quality!

Where can I find this?

IKEA makes it about as easy as it can get for information on the product as well as where you need to go in the "warehouse" to find it. They also really know how to use standardized services through signage and information displays. 

Up, Down, & Around at IKEA

We have pretty much lived at IKEA this last couple weekends, and I must say that their store layout is quite efficient. Their layout is a great example of a grid, zig-zag layout. Keep the traffic flowing IKEA!

From Training to Trainer

Target is always on point with having enough staff in the store. And I come across quite often an employee going through on-the-job training with another employee. I think it's one of the best ways to learn. 

Everyday Low Prices

There's a reason Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the World, its everyday low prices has customers keep coming back for savings and value. Walmart uses the everyday low pricing strategy for their items and they aren't shy about their customers know that. 

Can You Follow in these Footsteps?

The only thing I love more than a good shoe store is a shoe store that gives me assortment, always has a good inventory, and has the latest trends with good prices. DSW is leader in that with their merchandise planning process.

Game Got You Hungry?

Every Volleyball game I go to for my little sister, there is always players working the food stand to raise money. Did you know that is a gray market? Purchasing the food from a wholesaler such as Sam's club, then reselling it at a game for a higher price to  make a profit. . . Some food for thought. :)

Time to Change ...

Apple's new smartwatch is released on April 24. Die-Hard loyal Apple customers have backlogged the preorder. If that does not show Apple's amazing brand image and customer loyalty. What does?

Bananas Everywhere!

Bananas in the cereal aisle, Bananas near the check out line, and Bananas in the produce section: Bananas Everywhere! Looks like this grocery store knows has been using the market basket analysis to revise where it places it products. Nicely Played. 

TJMaxx, Marshalls, & HomeGoods follow

TJMaxx, HomeGoods, & Marshalls jump on board and follow in Wal-Mart's footstep. Starting in June of this year, associates wages will increase to $9 per hour. I believe that will not hurt their expenses, but help their productivity, turnover, and engagement with their employees! 

Nordstrom Customer Relationships

Nordstrom has aced the concept of customer relationship management and getting their associates on board to giving the best customer service. It is no wonder they have such a huge customer loyalty and those that are die-hard Nordstrom shoppers have that emotional connection to the retailer. It is a bond that was not created by frequent-shopper programs or discounts, but by excellent service and building relationships. 

Nestle's DSD Undergrad Program

Direct Store Delivery is something that Nestle uses in their supply chain. They even have an field operation program for undergraduates regarding the USA direct store delivery. It is a full-time rotation program that allows undergraduates to get a in the field experience. Companies like Nestle use this because of the products they have. 

Marshalls/Home Goods has Site Characteristics Down

Seems like this site location was a winner for the Marshalls/Home Goods at Yorktown Mall in Lombard. 

Traffic Flow & Accessibility - Check

Parking - Check

Visibility - Check

Adjacent Tenants - Check

The retailer has a prime spot at the Yorktown Mall with a location in the mall that has two entrances for easy access and traffic flow. One connecting them to the inside of the mall and the other to directly outside. There is a nicely sized parking lot right outside the entrance and is located to the anchor retailer Von Maur. The store front faces the main street, Butterfield Road, for perfect visibility. Well played Marshalls. 

Starbucks is Everywhere . . .

I guess Starbucks hasn't heard of the term Cannibalization. Or maybe they have and they have found a way to overcome it with their multiple locations. That sure is a lot of locations though for one town. . . 

What a Festival!

Navy Pier is already the largest tourist sight for Chicago, widely known for being quite the themed shopping and entertainment center. Imagine how packed it is during this winter themed festival? Winter Wondertown is most certainly the place to visit during the cold winters of Chicago. 

Walmart's Human Resource Management

Will Walmart be able to achieve a sustainable customer advantage over competitors now that they have increased minimum wage for their employees? Will their customer service now increase? The largest retailer in the United States finally made the announcement that they would be increasing the wages of their employees. Hopefully, others follow their example. 

Pizza Hut is #1 for Super Bowl Sunday

Everyone knows that Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest day of the year for the pizza chain. This year Pizza Hut took the prize breaking their sales record from last year. They surpassed over $10 million in digital sales. Wow! That's a lot of pizza. It shows how well Pizza Hut's redesigned app and website paid off giving an example of a great multichannel retailer. Did you order pizza on Sunday?

Retailers Love Valentine's Day

Extreme-Discount Retailers have some great value for a great cost if you know what and when to get. This year, don't spend a fortune on candy, cards, and decorations for Valentine's Day. The Dollar Store is stocked up with it all for just a $1. Take advantage of the savings for the small things so you can spend your money on the big things that really matter. 

Target's Private-Label Brand : Up & Up

Target continues to go UP & UP. From adding a new women's plus-size line in February to adding more higher-end merchandise to promoting their private-label brand Up & Up, Target is expanding it's merchandise and creating retailer loyalty in the mix. 

PetSmart Offering More than Pet Supplies

           

                                                                                                                              My Kitten Chloe

Going on vacation and have a pet that can't come? Need someone to watch them while you're away? Well, worry no more, PetSmart is not an ordinary pet supply retailer. They offer adoptions, a pet hospital, dog training, and a PetsHotel! They truly are the one-stop shop for animal owners everywhere. We dropped off our Kitten Chloe last night and it was super easy and convenient. A+ for you, PetSmart. 

To see their services and offers, visit here: 

http://pets.petsmart.com/services/petshotel/?ab=us_hp_serviceshotel_0202&_ga=1.255000584.1003498274.1423068037