Musings of a reluctant shopper

You may or may not exist but whether you do or not, I am yet to meet you. I have decided to write to you via this medium, just in case you are out there somewhere waiting to fulfil the dream of a needy customer.

You see I have this problem. I hate shopping and would prefer if there was one place where I can pick up all the stuff I need without having to go anywhere else. You may be aware that there are a few such places – Giftland and Fogarty’s come to mind – but that is just one part of it. You see, I have this bigger problem when it comes to getting things (clothes) my size. It is so difficult; either the stuff is too big or too small. I rarely find anything that fits me perfectly. And you know what this means?

I have to tramp all across the city, scavenge the stores for items that are usually not good enough for me. It is tiring and exhausting and at the end, I am most unhappy and think that all the store owners are useless, clueless, old dinosaurs with very little brain. I want this to change so I turn to you.

Now, I do not wish to disclose my particulars in this public forum but when you see this, you can contact me at the address provided. Anyway, I am kind of particular about the things I purchase (since it’s my money of course, I can’t help but be particular) and there are a few things that I would like (or not) to see in this store that is going to be built.

Firstly, I prefer to spend my money on items that are of good quality and would last rather that cheap crap — excuse my language — that would deteriorate in a day.

Secondly, there is nothing more of a turn-off than sour-faced sales people. Somehow I always want to hit them in the head whenever I encounter them and it is only by grace, that comes from I know not where, that I haven’t done so yet. My humble but excellent advice provided at no charge is that you invest in customer service training. It will pay off handsomely, I assure you.

Thirdly, please have a range of items so I can pick something that I actually like rather than because it is the only one.

Fourthly, invest in a little market research. You can take my word for all that I have mentioned above but if you choose not to, listen to your customers – all of them.

Fifthly, when a product is a hit – lots of people are buying it – immediately order more. Shoppers hate to hear the words ‘sorry, we don’t have, check back next week/month’.

I leave the rest up to you but always remember, strive to amaze the customer. I expect that you will take this advice, do what needs to be done and then contact me. I wish you all the best.

Awaiting in Anticipation,

Desperate Reluctant Shopper

PS. Air-conditioning would be great.

(thescene@stabroeknews.com)