It's Up to YOU

Today's post continues on a recurring theme of the power of the customer. It is on my mind because we are in the midst of Holy Week/Passover and because we experienced a major storm here in the Northeast about three weeks ago. What, you may ask, do those things have do to with each other? Here we go.....

The common thread, once again, is retail. During the major snow storm, while the snow was reaching near white-out conditions in some areas, my company and all those other retailers in our mall, kept stores open. We had staff in the building to service less than 10% of our normal volume. Almost every customer that came in said to our cashier (because only one made it in), "I'm surprised you're here. You should go home, it's really bad out there." Our answer, invariably (in our head or among ourselves....never out loud) was, "We're here because YOU didn't stay home."

Now the debate is over whether or not to be open on Easter Sunday. There are some stores in the chain that are open and some are not (Note to employer: I WILL NOT work on Easter Sunday....ever). The reason that this is a debate is because those that are open, do business.

Here's the thing. Any time you can honestly say, "Gee, I'm surprised that you're open" they probably shouldn't be and certainly wouldn't be if you weren't there. You have the power to keep stores closed on Easter Sunday, allowing those associates to enjoy the day with their families (even if they don't celebrate the holiday, I'm sure they would enjoy the day with their families) by staying home.

Tuesday and Wednesday were the most significant days of the Passover celebration and you found very few (if any) Jewish businesses open. Why? Because even if the owner didn't particularly care to celebrate the holiday, their customers did and they stayed home. If you feel the same way about Easter Sunday, then you should do the same. Only that lack of customers will end the debate on whether or not retailers open.

There are certain retailers that are just, unfortunately, stuck. Food stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and restaurants are essential functions and should be the most available, but you'll even find them closed on high holidays and during severe weather.

Please, like in everything in life, you must consider the consequences of your actions, no matter how seemingly small. "I just ran in for one thing" still translates into, we have to be open to serve you. On severe weather days, or high holidays, think to yourself, "Do I HAVE to have this today or could it wait until tomorrow?" If the answer is NO, stay home and enjoy the extra time with your loved ones. That way, so can the store's employees.

Thoughts anyone?