It’s the 12th of December and my Christmas shopping is completed. I rarely shop for Christmas in November, it is just too early for me to think about the festive season. I rarely shop after the 12th of December as it is just too crazy out there!
The past twelve days have been interesting from a customer service perspective. Here are some of my highs and lows…
On the first shopping day of Christmas………..I so want to shop local. I can pick out one or two gems among the local retailers but it’s not great in my opinion…..I visited a recently opened gift shop. It really is lovely…but when you are the only person in the shop and the proprietor doesn’t engage in any way with you, despite your very best efforts …it’s hard to get enthusiastic about spending money. I leave empty-handed!
On the second shopping day of Christmas…………On the other hand, visiting one of my local favourites Magpies Nest, makes Christmas shopping a pleasure. A warm welcome, friendly chat and a thank you when you are leaving makes all the difference! Needless to say quite a few purchases were made here! A business that appreciates its customers deserves every success!
On the third shopping day of Christmas…………..A day out Christmas shopping in the seaside town of Lytham just has to involve a nice lunch, and The Artisan Restaurant in Booths supermarket has to be one of the smartest supermarket eateries I have ever visited. Excellent food and wonderful service.
On the fourth shopping day of Christmas.…….Shopping online is just so easy on a dismal and damp day like today! After my experience on the first day I do wonder whether some high street shops realise that they have to offer something different and exceptional to compete with the online retailers.
On the fifth shopping day of Christmas……….I didn’t go shopping at all! My lovely friend did and her customer service experience made my day too! If you missed it, read it here “Black Friday – and a sprinkle of fairy dust!”
On the sixth shopping day of Christmas…..I am walking on the once prestigious King Street West in Manchester. So many empty shops, it’s a real shame.
On the seventh shopping day of Christmas………..Confession time! I am guilty of sometimes turning a blind eye to poor customer service – even returning for more! Today is such an occasion. I have just filled my car with petrol at a major supermarket, entered the shop to pay for the fuel and had the transaction processed without the cashier acknowledging me in any way as she continues her chat with a colleague; no thank you, no word to me at all, so rude……..if this was any other sort of shop I wouldn’t return – but it’s the cheapest petrol around so I will! Tut- tut!
On the eighth shopping day of Christmas…….“Pause – take a deep breath, relax” the soothing voice tells me.I stand back, close my eyes, take a deep breath – concentrate on my breathing. “Now, let’s try one more time – no rush – take your time” I open my eyes and smile.
“Thank you” I whisper gratefully.
Has that ever happened to you on a busy shopping trip? Your mind just goes completely blank when you are faced with the credit card machine requesting the PIN number that at any other time just pops into your head automatically? The restless queue behind you and the impatient sighs of the sales assistant as she warns; “Only one more attempt and your card will be blocked!” do nothing to help the situation. But today it’s a lovely, friendly sales assistant on the fragrance counter in Debenhams giving me a quick session on mindfulness/meditation in order to retrieve the elusive numbers from my frazzled brain. It worked! My transaction is completed!
On the ninth shopping day of Christmas …….I attend an Antiques and Collectables auction with my husband. What an interesting way to buy! No interaction between the seller and the buyer, but how exciting to compete with someone across the room (or on the internet) for a mutually desired item. Great café too!
On the tenth shopping day of Christmas…….My items ordered online arrive! So easy!
On the eleventh shopping day of Christmas………Time for my Christmas haircut from the lovely Ruth! I have come to realise that hair stylists provide some of the best customer service around! Welcoming, ready with a cup of coffee and a biscuit and always happy to chat.
Ruth has cut my hair every month for several years. When she has moved salon – so have I! Provide exceptional service and your customers will stick with you – such a simple strategy that is second nature to Ruth. Unfortunately I can’t stick with her in her latest venture at Mobile Wedding Hair Dresser but, luckily for me, Ruth remains committed to providing an excellent service to her clients who are already married!
On the twelfth shopping day of Christmas……..a welcome return today to the market town of Bakewell, so pretty in the wintry sunshine, gift shops galore, lovely atmosphere and on the whole, friendly retailers! It’s a real pleasure to shop for gifts here, and of course a visit wouldn’t be complete without popping into The Lavender Tearooms for afternoon tea! Proprietor Gary greets us like old friends.
It starts to snow outside but inside the tea room it is cosy, warm and sparkling with Gary’s over the top Christmas decorations, happy customers and cheery music – very festive! I tell him about the post I wrote some months ago, The Lavender Tearooms in Bakewell. It remains one of the most read posts on the blog. Gary wasn’t aware of this, as surprisingly he doesn’t really use technology! He reads it now on my friend’s phone.
“This is fab! I’m filling up!” he says…….
Another years shopping done and dusted!
Filed under: customer experience, Shopping Treats, UK Tagged: customer experience, customer service, Gifts
