We're often
asked who we think the retail stars are in the marketplace. People
want to know which retailers they should look to for inspiration,
lessons and guidance. While there are a lot of retailers who are doing
some great things, there are a select few that we focus on that have
moved past just meeting customer expectations ... they're surpassing
them consistently!
Whole Foods: We
love shopping in their stores, even knowing that we're paying more than
we probably have to for our groceries. They've evolved the drudgery of
the grocery "shopping trip" to become a great shopping
experience. Outstanding displays, unique product and typically
friendly staff. It's hard to shop the mainstream grocers once you've
done your shopping in Whole Foods.
American Girl:
Not just a doll shop, it celebrates the relationship between
Mother/Father and daughter. Sure the product is great, but it's about
the experience they create for parents and children together. When was
the last time customers lined up to get into your store? It happens
often at American Girl.
Bass Pro
Shops: Great product. Great prices. And THEATRE! Hundreds
of mounted animals, huge aquariums and a plane suspended from the
ceiling. It's a visual delight. Shopping is fun again when you visit
their stores.
Apple Stores:
Could it get any simpler than this? White walls, white tables, white
floor, and most of the products are white too. And, oh yes, that
simple thing of having every product turned on and working so that you
can try it before you buy it (not radical, but shockingly not the norm
in most electronic stores). The stores are the perfect extension of
the brand.
The
'experience' of shopping in these stores transcends the boredom of most
shopping trips. If you haven't visited these stores make it a point of
getting out to each of them soon. Look, learn and then go back and
make your stores a great shopping experience.
