ZAPPOS

Web shopping has become so popular over the last several years.  You can buy almost anything without leaving your house now.  It is very convenient, but there are some things that I hesitate to purchase on-line.  For the most part, hings that need to be "tried on" are probably better to be purchased in a brick and mortar store rather than on-line.  If you get something that doesn't fit, then you run the risk and hassle of having to return it.  Zappos.com takes that risk away because they offer free returns.  I think it is a smart move for them, as well as the importance placed on customer service.


Have A Great Day!

Kristy

Kleenex

When it comes to good branding, one company that comes to mind is Kleenex.  
The name is so synonomous with tissues that sometimes all tissues are referred to as Kleenex, no matter the actual brand that is being used.  It's almost as if the product is a Kleenex, rather than the brand of the product. 

Have A Good Day!

Kristy Alexander

Commercials

Commercials can be pretty boring, especially if it is for something as mundane as insurance.  There are a couple insurance companies that I think have been pretty creative with their commercials. Geiko and State Farm.  I think, if they can pull off an entertaining commercial, they have really pulled something off.

Geiko....

State Farm....

Have A Great Day!

Kristy Alexander

K Mart

I live in town and drive down Hwy 31 everyday.  Many times, I pass K Mart and feel bad at the lack of cars in the parking lot.  I hate to see a business that's been there for so long not do well.  I especially feel bad for the employees. 

As everyone probably knows by now, the Cullman KMart is closing. Because of this, they are having a sale and the once-empty parking lot is now filled with cars. I graduated High School with one of the employees there and see some of the comments being made on Facebook about the situation.  Sometimes they talk about how crazy busy it is.  They are even hiring and training new employees to help close the store down. 

One of the comments I saw had to do with wishing the people had given the store business before now.  In on sense, I agree.  I feel bad that the store is only getting business because it is closing.  Shouldn't we have supported this business before now?  I mean, everyone could tell it was only a matter of time before this happened, right? 

On the other hand, is it our job to make sure the business stays open?  OR....Is it their job to give us a reason to buy from there? 

I occasionally shop at K Mart.  I like going there sometimes because they have different things than Walmart. BUT....does the good outweigh the bad?  

In my opinion, the pros are that it has cute clothes, toys, home decor, and kitchen-ware.
The cons are that some of those things tend to be overpriced and the grocery section doesn't even hold a candle to Walmart, as far as the size and selection goes. 

So, why should I shop there? 

I think, if what you are doing isn't working, then you need lo reevaluate the situation.  They already have everything in place- the store, the employees, etc.  Bring in different brands and lines of merchandise that will appeal to the people, offer something that no one else does, and hire a good marketing team.  I get tired of Wal Mart sometimes.  I would love to have more choices. 

With that being said,  I do hope the employees are able to find a job replacement quickly.  Maybe the company will close and reconfigure.  I have heard of companies closing and reopening under a different name.  There may already be plans in place that I know nothing about.  These are purely thoughts from my point of view. 

Have a great day!

Kristy