Posted by Mark on December 17, 1998 at 09:27:27:
In Reply to: How important is the retail presentation area if the products are perfect? posted by Sandy on December 17, 1998 at 07:49:17:
: Years and years of working for others, working one on one and developing the skills and now it's finally come time for independence. The storefront is in a good location in a market area of customers with demanding tastes. The clients are supportive. The retail menu, specialty offerings, and advance orders are well-established and ready for expansion. The reputation of the owner is excellent among peers and the staff is hard-working and very skilled. The problem is this: How important is it to devote time and money and staff to constantly cleaning storefront windows, changing window displays, keeping the front retail area freshly painted and clean? Funds are limited and it seems the customers in a walk-in and take-out place wouldn't expect much in the way of ambiance as long as the products are perfect. It's hard to find anyone on the staff who wants to take time from working on their skills in the back room to mundane things like cleaning the retail area.
How important is cleanliness? Ask Ray Kroc...cleanliness was and is one of the driving principals behind the success of the McDonalds empire!
Perception is fact, so if customers percieve that you have a dirty store, it won't matter one bit that your product is perfect. They will not return.
Of course the employees don't place an emphasis on cleaning...obviously you don't either!What is important to you will also be important to your employees. Not only that, but as the store gets dirtier and dirtier,equipment gets clogged with dirt and grease and begins to break down, costing you lots of money to repair and replace.
It is helpful to think of cleaning as preventative maintenance rather than a chore, and take pride in the fact that not only do you have the best product around, but the cleanest store around!
Good luck!
Mark