I am having a really hard time accepting that we are currently experiencing a recession.
Oh, I know the media has told us and some people are willing to accept that there may be one, but I am not one of them. Let me explain.
Recently, I went in to the big box store of the biggest retailer in the world in south Red Deer (Wal-Mart).
There were staff on the floor and one even asked if I found everything I was looking for. I did. When I went to check out there was a lineup and the cashier even asked the same question.
My rating of the service was pretty good and acceptable.
I then went next door to the biggest hardware chain in the world (Home Depot).
Unlike the previous store, there was hardly a clerk to be found.
I was planning on buying some light fixtures, a medicine cabinet, toilet, sink and shower taps, draperies and other necessary hardware to renovate my condo in the Crowsnest Pass. There was no one even working in the drapery department.
I did find someone to help me in the plumbing department, but they were unable to answer any questions so they tried to find someone else to no avail.
When I left my total bill was about $30 rather than the $1,000 to $2,000 I expected to pay.
As I was leaving there was no lineup. In fact, I was the only one there.
The cashier did ask if I found everything I was looking for.
I told her “no” and the reason.
She said they had laid off staff because sales were so slow! Well, guess what? They are slow because there is no sales staff.
Businesses have cut back on their advertising. If they did this and had staff, business would improve. It is not rocket science!
I then went down to our condo without very many Red Deer purchases. I went into the Home Hardware in Blairmore. I was greeted in a friendly manner. I was never out of sight of a clerk at any time. I spent my money in their store.
As I was paying, I asked how business was. Guess what? It is fantastic! Here in another part of Alberta, they did not know we were having a recession! The service was excellent!
I then reflect back to my personal situation here in Red Deer. I am having a tremendous year at Woody’s RV World. I am up significantly over the great year of 2008.
I answer my phone and return my calls. I am available when my customers need me.
It is all about service and I am being rewarded because my competitors think there is a recession and want to be a part of it.
I choose not to and you will have a hard time convincing me otherwise that there is one.
If the big box hardware store had more staff, their sales would go up. It is not rocket science.
Dean Cowan
Red Deer