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at 10/1/2007 1:18:59 AM, Bob Carouthers said:
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at 10/1/2007 1:29:35 AM, Bob Carouthers said:
Furniture shoppers want knowledgeable, polite and agressive sales people who can help facilitate the role of decision makers in the home. They aren't that interested in technology when it comes to buying a table or a sofa. What ever happened to Jim Haggar? He was a power hitter at Rowe and helped hundreds of retailers improve their business. He understood ALL the issues facing furniture retailers and solved problems and I credit him with saving my business at a very difficult time. He just disappeared around 2000 or 2001 and was obviously important to Rowe as their rocket rise in growth began in late '92 when he first appeared at my store with the Rowe rep and Rowe's rapid decline began when Mr. Haggar left Rowe and apparently the furniture industry. Does anyone at Furniture/Today know where he is? I could use his expertise once again.

at 10/16/2007 12:49:31 PM, leslie said:
Dear Bob: I am sorry that I can't help you myself with Jim's whereabouts, but if you need some strategic help, pls. email me directly and I will be happy to try and help you find someone who would be able to assist you. I also agree that people definitely still want intelligent sales help, but they want to be able to "pull" the information they want towards them vs. having it pushed at then by a salesperson before they are ready. That is where technology is so helpful. It helps the customer get at the information that is meaningful to them and, THEN, they are usually more than ready to have a well-trained, smart salesperson help make that sale happen. Relationship selling is what is all about and the idea of SURFACE is to help make the experience fun and interactive. Please make sure to log on to the link in my blog so you can see what SURFACE is all about. It's not ready for distribution yet-Microsoft tells me it will be Spring 2009 before it's available as an accessible product to the general public but you will start seeing it late fall or early 2008 in entertainment and retail venues that have worked with Microsoft on its development. Thanks for writing and I would be more than happy to help you with your immediate issues if you will please email me.

at 12/19/2007 4:45:24 AM, MiMiC said:
Surface would be horrible for accessories, but very cool for Room Planning software, and furniture shopping. Simple drag items from list and cover with available upholstery. Click to Print Having a Product Knowledge Avatar would be very cool also. Asking questions to something not wanting to pressure you into buying could be huge! Ok, i've planned my room via Touch technology, picked out finishes/fabrics by dragging them onto my items, and clicked the Knowledge Avatar to learn more on how and what these items were made of (solid wood or all wood?). Now that I am empowered (knowledge is power) i can talk to a sales person and know i won't be bullied. Furniture Sales staff are viewed like used car salesmen. This could give the confidence back to the consumer. Remember, this isn't your mom's way of shopping, but in the world of text messaging, this is the new interaction. UPDATED: Leslie, you are spot on with your assessment. "I also agree that people definitely still want intelligent sales help, but they want to be able to "pull" the information they want towards them vs. having it pushed at then by a salesperson before they are ready. That is where technology is so helpful. It helps the customer get at the information that is meaningful to them and, THEN, they are usually more than ready to have a well-trained, smart salesperson help make that sale happen." Perfect, simply spot on!!!! Richard FurnitureBarnShowroom.com

at 12/20/2007 3:52:42 PM, leslie said:
Dear Richard: Thank you for commenting. I am so glad to see that you "get" it perfectly. Happy Holidays.

at 5/13/2008 3:06:16 PM, Doug said:
I thought this blog in particular was a great idea. It is ashamed there is no regularity to it. This being 5/13/08 and up till this point the latest and most recent blog was February/26/2008. So Here is my Retail Idea...Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. Something I carry out with my own blog.

at 5/14/2008 3:42:09 PM, leslie said:
Dear Doug: You are so right. I DO need to be more consistent at this and appreciate your lighting a fire under me. I love to do it, it's just that regular work has kept me REALLY busy lately. Thanks for your kind words and look for a new post early next week-if not sooner. Thanks, Leslie