Neimans & Nordstroms

I must admit one of my favorite pasttimes is shopping and whether it's finding bargains at Walmart to thrifting at Goodwills, the pursuit of treasures is so much fun.

As a marketing consultant, shopping is also an opportunity to really experience a new city and it's people.

A Banana Republic in Wichita, Kansas was somewhat different from our local BR of Boca Raton. There was a far greater selection and merchandise on sale. The same helpfulness by sales people was present and they seemed happy to have ladies throughout the store browsing for bargains.

It's interesting in visiting Neimans aka as Needless Mark Up. I think Stanley would be disappointed today if he toured his stores. Neiman's sales people have such an attitude. It's as if they are bothered by us browsers but potential purchasers. Heavens, we mussed the racks or wanted to try something on.

We are the customer...aren't we? No salesperson knows for sure what we will spend or what needs we may want to fulfill when we touch and feel the cashmere pajamas or try on a designer blazer.

In the Tyson's Corner location, they particularly look down their noses in most departments except in the fragrances. Here, with discretionary purchases that probably are $100.00+, we found the sales assistants very helpful. The CREED counter was staffed by a CREED representative and she really knew her products. She provided excellent education about the individually of the various fragrances and even which was worn by Princess Diana. We became very receptive and eager sampled various blends. She won us.

My return of an article of clothing (with a receipt) that fell apart was not as well met. Both the sales person and the department manager looked at me like I had damaged their clothing rather than accepting that it just didn't wear well. Wow. Next time Nordstoms for me.

I also returned shoes at Nordstroms which on their first wearing caused heal blisters. Did Nordstroms complain? Not once. They credited my account and simply smiled. How nice.

What are we learning from my shopping experiences that fit marketing senior communities? Personal service and caring. We just want people to respect us and be helpful. It goes along way. The old adage of not judging a book by its cover also holds true.

Appearances don't necessarily indicate what we will spend or when we will spend it.

Good sales people should be nice people too.