Can we still shop happily?

There is a business message in here - you'll have to trust me.

Many of you who know me have heard that we have an extensive vinyl album collection at home. Between my collection from teenage years and my parents, aunt, and in-laws albums that have been given to us, as well as new additions, we have around 1,000 records. All genres, and from the 1940's to current. Even our grown children have enjoyed playing the “big CD’s” over the years (Chubby Checker's Limbo album was a favorite when they were little). It's just fun and different to listen to an entire side of an album at a time, and even with a few crackles from a scratch or two, the rich sound of vinyl through a good amp and speakers is hard to match.

 I was spinning some tunes while working out yesterday morning (power/core day – thank you OTF!), and was playing The Clash “London Calling” album (1979). Joe Strummer and Mick Jones put out some great albums, but this is easily one of the best. Shortly after it came out, it was listed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 20 albums of the last 20 years, behind a few others from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, etc. Pretty good company. (Btw Joe Strummer passed away in late 2002, which I recall because I was updating my brother Adam via email while he was stationed in Afghanistan, #myhero)

OK, back to my workout and the music. Side two, third song came on, “Lost in the Supermarket”, and after the first verse I froze…”I’m all lost in the supermarket, I can no longer shop happily…” What?! The song at the time was all about consumerism and marketers especially preying on youth trying to become something they’re not. Yet today, it strikes a different chord. In our current environment, and especially with stores beginning to re-open in many areas including here in Georgia, how can we ensure that our customers are “shopping happily”. And shopping safely, with all the concerns, risks, and new rules (masks on, spacing, one-way aisles, etc.)? And how can we help the customer trust the store to clean and manage their employees, products, and everything else that must be done that’s new and different?

It's a tall order for all of us, but especially given that our teams are coming back to an uncertain environment themselves, and figuring out news ways of doing business. Leaders need a plan to re-open, triage, stabilize, and plan for what is next. And then keep moving forward, with purpose. If you’re interested in getting additional, pragmatic suggestions, check out Parker Avery Group’s Reconstructing Retail webinar series – two are complete, and the recordings are on our website (www.parkeravery.com). The next webinar is Thursday April 30th. 

Perhaps I’ll find inspiration from another album for an upcoming post? Stay tuned….