CIRCUIT CITY'S POSSIBLE DEATH RATTLE: RESTOCK THIS! YOU JERKS
In the 80's and 90's I used to to the West Coast a lot. It was there I first discovered Circuit City. Man, they used to be fun. The boxes would boom and the breakdancers would spin on the floor. They could have easily gotten a cover charge.
Then they became just another big box store, but with a great selection. Then they became a narrow band non-discounter. They moved into the midwest maybe ten, twelve years ago, featuring rude pimple ranchers, limited stock and a 'tude that held to the principle that the customer was not only always wrong, but probably a puss-bucket too. Finally, maybe three years ago, they instituted a 25% restocking fee, without any notice in their advertising (Oh, yes, they had it four point on the back of their receipt paper and there was a lords-prayer-on-head-of-pin sign on the wall.)
I'm shocked about the bankruptcy and cutback--shocked that it took this long to take place. My last trip into a CC was a rude encounter in Springfield. I needed an item for a gift, knew just what I wanted and knew they had it. When they wouldn't honor THEIR OWN coupon, I walked out without it. Haven't walked back in since.
Don't let the liquidators hit you in the hindquarters on your way out, boys.
posted by UMRBlog @ 12:32
2 comments
2 Comments:
Reminds me of QMG.
The electronics industries are their own worst enemies. They have low profit margins to loss leaders on heavily advertised electronic models that are not cutting edge technology. Too heavy a reliance on extended warranties to make up the profit lost on leaders. Increased pressure on poorly salespeople to sell high end merchandise, extended warranties and add on items like stereo equipment, dvd players, gold tipped cables etc. Negotiated rules with several companies that do not allow the salespeople to tell their customers that the RCA/Junk Brand du jour is not worth purchasing. The pressure creates jerk-like sales people that would rather you just walk away from the sale they might make 25 cents to a dollar on than get chewed out/risk their job for selling merchandise that is unprofitable. Reliance on long term 0% interest credit plans through private brand credit card owned by companies like GE financing that suck up much of the profit from the retailer even on high-end high-profit merchandise.
Post a Comment
<< Home