Now that’s what I call service

This blog has been created since I realised I had a lot to say about the world of fashion, retail and business. While I have a degree in Fashion Marketing and Branding, and keep my finger on the pulse of fashion business in whatever way I can, it was perhaps my annual trip to the January sales that has motivated me to start this blog. 

Stemming from the basic experience I had on three trips to the sales (in Milton Keynes, Exeter and Kettering) I came away with three starting points. One good, one bad and one pretty concerning… 

I will begin in this post with the good. 

While I can often be unsuccessful picking up sale items that I love and that are the right size/fit me, I found a beautiful pair of Vans in Schuh. A grey pair with pink leopard print – almost half of the price they should be. 

With low expectations I asked to try on my size – a very average size 5. As I thought, this size was out of stock in-store. However, as I was about to leave the store in defeat, the sales assistant kindly checked Schuh’s central stock database to find size 5s were available for delivery. She helpfully suggested I try a size 5 in the same style (but different print) as the shoes I wanted, to check fit and if I liked the style, and that if I wanted, the leopard print shoes could be delivered to an address of my choice the following day free of charge! 

Well I did in fact fit the size 5, and I did love the style and inevitably I bought the shoes. When waking up the following morning, I discovered my shoes were already delivered, and it goes without saying, they are perfect! Top marks for Schuh’s service in the sale. 

I should point out I am unable to see if this is standard policy all year round, or special service in the sales, and I had asked to try the same pair of shoes in the Milton Keynes store before my success in Exeter. However the sales assistant in MK wasn’t so quick to help, making me ask the questions, rather than anticipating my thoughts and trying to offer helpful service to resolve issues. It leaves me wondering whether the offer of free next day delivery is only available in certain areas or stores, or if there is a distinct difference in service amongst Schuh stores. My advice following their success in Exeter is to establish excellent service in ALL stores, and to roll out the free next day delivery option in all stores all year round if this is not the case already.