Michael1942's Blog

In these modern times , the retail sector has suffered along with other companies and the public. What appears to be evident is that the retailers have lost sight of the source of their income. This source is the on the ground, workers who clerk, stock, receive, ship and purchase goods. Above them are the assorted managers who provide training and merchandising expertise. After that are the corporate workers who if they have worked in the same retail field provide assistance in maintaining the integrity of the store and good relations with the suppliers by assuring proper product placement and availability. If this tier has never had any retail experience then much of what they do is counterproductive. This anti production results in employee disenfranchisement and terminates in lost sales. The higher tier of management (boardroom, CEO’s, etc) where the most crucial decisions are made (fortunes made and lost) have a high responsibility in keeping close tabs on what the middle tier is doing or not doing but many times they focus on the store level where there is less of a need for attention but the information available is more pertinent. There are several CEO’s now who have no retail experience (or in their companies field) and cannot visualize what is required to continue successful management of their companies. The last truly well managed company I can remember working for was a national hardware chain managed by the 2 originators. Upon their departure much of the worker oriented culture left with them leaving the dregs as it were to run the shop. Without a quality support no building can stand and neither can a business.