1 post tagged “recession”

Today, I went to Ikea to purchase about 6 pallets worth of desk parts for a client.  Much to my surprise, I found a very helpful assistant manager, Taira who helped organize everything & even took charge by recommending that we keep everything in the pallets & having those pallets sent directly to the dock instead of the usual procedure (gather the items & place them in regular carts -> go to the register with the items -> go to "Home Delivery" to arrange for office delivery). She even mentioned that I just made ‘Ikea” very happy (& possibly some clients angry since we wiped out a lot of Galant desks parts). 

There were still some missing parts so I have to go back.  She was nice enough to give me her extension number to check on availability next time I come back.  Then she gave me all the paperwork & off I went to the register to pay.  None of the regular registers are open so I asked one of the Ikea staff to help me punch in all the items that I just ordered thru the self-serve checkout.  This woman also made a comment on the amount of items that I just ordered.  And she adds, “…which is great because if we keep good business, I can keep my job.”  Even the woman at "Home Delivery" who at first was unfriendly warmed up when she saw my order.  (She later informed me that I just ordered 6,635 lbs. of desk parts which is why the delivery charge is $700+!)

What a 180 degree shift!  Typically, when I go to Ikea it’s so hard to find someone to assist you.  This is one of those things that make the threat of recession interesting.  Retail will now emphasize customer service even more & that means at least in Ikea, no more grumbling, un-smiling, unwilling customer reps.