The battered American retail industry took a few more lumps this week, with stores at both ends of the price spectrum preparing to close their doors.
At the bottom, the seemingly ubiquitous Payless Inc. shoe chain filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to shutter hundreds of locations. Ralph Lauren Corp., meanwhile, said it will close its flagship Fifth Avenue Polo store -- a symbol of old-fashioned luxury that no longer resonates with today’s shoppers.
And the teen-apparel retailer Rue21 Inc. could be the next casualty. The chain, which has about 1,000 stores, is preparing to file for bankruptcy as soon as this month, according to people familiar with the situation. Just a few years ago, it was sold to private equity firm Apax Partners for about a billion dollars.
“It’s an industry that’s still in search for answers,” said Noel Hebert, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “I don’t know how many malls can reinvent themselves.”
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Perhaps if the cashiers/clerks would thank their customer instead of acting like they are bothering them, it would help some. Couldn't hurt! I find it enfuriating to spend $100 and get a "there you go" when handed the receipt. That's if you even get that; sometimes I ask if we're through, because there's not even an acknowledgement that the transaction is complete. Don't even get me started about those that spend the entire transaction talking with the cashier at the next register, ignoring the customer the whole time. Instead of doing everything they can to keep customers, some are beating customers away with a stick.
ReplyDeleteYeah- the so-called "manager" offers little to no ongoing support and training. It's easy to see who's been properly trained when in certain stores.
ReplyDeleteToo many stores anyway, and the bigger chain stores all sell the same crap.
ReplyDeleteGood Work AMAZON !!! if they can't take the Heat ,then
ReplyDeletethey can get out of the kitchen ....
They been Ripping us off for years ....Now they will Pay !!!
Bezos is a Genious !!!
ReplyDeleteThe only place you can get anything for a good price !!!
Brick and Mortor days coming to an end ....overhead too High esp in malls .......
THe malls are loaded with loitering thugs.
ReplyDelete