Archived NEW FLOW TM thoughts about leadership

[redeye58]

Because it's largely a self-serve dept, Target won't provide the personnel needed.

 

[Noiinteam]

IMO that would never fly. I agree our shoe area looks like a shit storm, but in my store, our backroom could never handle all those shoes. Plus the guests would have to find a team member to help them, who would then have to get backroom to do a pull. Sorry not feasible

 

[Penrose]

This could be feasible if Target will conduct a cost-benefit analysis and see if the damage or defective items caused by customer handling is high enough to make that change. I guess, this also means that distribution centers needs to be really in synched with the individual stores, so they send in just enough items.

As for the need for more team-members. Maybe have one assigned in the shoe aisle in the backroom to make the pull, and customers can just ask any team member to make the pull -- maybe someone doing the go-backs -- it doesn't have to be a designated shoe person.

Another concern that's not easily measurable is that possible lost sale to customers because they were confused, turn off by the mess!

So, maybe Target can think about whether or not maintaining an organized shoe aisle will help decrease the defects to a normal level, and if that organization translates to higher sales.

 

[Penrose]

maybe, it is negligible -- not high enough to conduct an analysis, or to implement a new process...

*Back to the drawing board

 

[Retail Girl]

If they could convince the guests to stock the shelves while they shop, they would. Believe me, they will not add extra needless hours to have someone hang around and pull shoes.

 

[RetailWorld]

Wouldn't work in shoes. Shoes are one of those things you need to try on, walk around in, and generally test out. So you're going to have a TM go back and forth pulling out multiple sizes of shoes in multiple styles so the guest can try them on. Then have to re-backstock them. And this is assuming you have 1 guest at a time. What about during BTS when you literally have dozens of guests in shoes? Do you need dozens of team members? And does the team member wait there while the guest tries on shoes? You're dumping a lot of money in keeping it staffed while increasing guest frustration because they have to hunt down team members.

Damage/Defect is negligible since the cost of production is insanely low and that product gets donated. Tax write off.

Look how large the shoes department is. Imagine having to transplant that into the backroom. You'd need to free up at least 3-4 aisles. And you wouldn't be able to keep assortment cases either, due to needing to pull out individual shoes for each guest.

It's cheaper to just let guests wreck it and have a brand TM fix it. 8 hours of payroll spent a day to keep it zoned versus keeping a TM in shoes at any given time plus the payroll of keeping shoes maintained in the back. I think you're really over-exaggerating the amount of time spent in shoes, especially compared to other areas of the store, like Cosmetics or PFRESH. Shoes set can be done by literally 1 person since shelves never move. Slide strips out, slide strips in. Shoes push is typically done by 1 person as well. It's really not that expensive of a department to maintain...especially considering how much profit comes from that area.

 

[Penrose]

Yup, bad idea...I get it now.

This idea originates from a recent vacation I had recently in another country with cheap labor. I do know what you mean by frustration. Took me an hour before they brought back the shoe that I want to try on. I could also see how guests might be intimidated ordering a team member back and forth.

 

[redeye58]

Oh, our guests were NEVER intimidated ordering a TM back & forth.
In fact, they expected it.
Silly guests; must think we're Nordstrom's.

 

[commiecorvus]

Yup, bad idea...I get it now.

This idea originates from a recent vacation I had recently in another country with cheap labor. I do know what you mean by frustration. Took me an hour before they brought back the shoe that I want to try on. I could also see how guests might be intimidated ordering a team member back and forth.

That's Spot's fault.
They try and give the impression they above the standard retail store.
Which is why customers expect TMs to know everything about the vacuums order around the TMs in softlines like they were in Nordstroms.
At least Walmart is honest, nobody is going to pull that with their employees.

 

[Penrose]

Oh, our guests were NEVER intimidated ordering a TM back & forth.
In fact, they expected it.
Silly guests; must think we're Nordstrom's.

That's funny...I do have guests too that would ask my opinion on things like whether a girl dress will fit a toddler. I directed her to the babies section. I honestly don't know the nuisances of shopping. I'm the last person to ask for style or fit, or whatever. I am just not savvy about these things.

 

[redeye58]

Just be glad you weren't in the personal care aisle & had someone ask you the differences between the various kinds of K-Y gel. 😵

 

[Westcoast7]

In the words of my leaders, NO shoe back stock! If you can't 'merchandise it' we will do it for you! 😛

 

[qmosqueen]

ha TL stands for Team Lead , in my 3 years Iv'e never seen anyone lead anyone else, also there is no management at target they are all either TL, ETL or STL ..
and do NOT even know how to lead a sheep to the slaughter. they just pull wool over their eyes.

 

[Penrose]

Just be glad you weren't in the personal care aisle & had someone ask you the differences between the various kinds of K-Y gel. 😵

Oh no! That's too awkward.

I'd refer them to something called online reviews instead. LOL

 

[Penrose]

In the words of my leaders, NO shoe back stock! If you can't 'merchandise it' we will do it for you! 😛

LOL

I don't know if that's our philosophy too...Dayside person is kind of picky. Doesn't like things to get too disorganized. I need to really look at that not only that I push by category (women, girls, boys, men), but it's also separated by type ( flats and boots) and sizes. That kind of slows me down. So, I back stock some of the shoes.

 

[Penrose]

Earlier, while pushing candies (love it!) -- an idea pop into my mind....#LABELS+ #1 layer mental processing + #reduce memory retrieval

In terms of logistics, I think the best way to increase accuracy AND speed is to extensively use LABELS or SIGNS. Whether in backroom, or when pushing. Use clips too. You can clip that to Z-racks or carts.

I doubt management cares about these things though. They'd rather let the newbies ask too many questions, and bother other employees, or be lost on processes. It's the survival of the fittest out there!!!

 

[Penrose]

It's been quite awhile since I worked in PFRESH... but today, I did have that opportunity... and I noticed the pre-made food stuff is in the bunker fridge display..... That really surprised me , and deep inside I was ecstatic. There were only a few things there, but it's a good start.

It's not so visible though. I even took the cart that was blocking that area, and put it in the side, so people can start browsing..

 

[redeye58]

However small, it's a start 😀

 

[Penrose]

@redeye, good point.

Try it out a bit, and maybe, just maybe if sales improved, they might think about it.