This week, don't be like Trader Joe's.
I love Trader Joe's.
Trader Joe's hides a stuffed animal in their stores. If your kids find it and tell the manager, they get a free lollipop. (The animal is based on the area you live in. For instance, in Florida, it might be a dolphin. In Chapel Hill, it's a ram for UNC.)
It's brilliant because it does two things:
1. It makes your kids ask to go to Trader Joe's.
2. It makes you end up buying more while you walk around the store looking for the stuffed animal. (You'd be amazed how many things you add to your cart when your kids make you walk every aisle.)
When we moved to Nashville, we looked for the stuffed animal. We couldn't find it, so we asked the manager. He said, "We don't do that at this location."
What does he gain by doing that?
Does he call the district manager each quarter and report the lollipop savings?
Does he save the $11 the stuffed animal would have cost?
Is the 30 seconds it takes to hand out a lollipop saving employee pay?
They lose tens of thousands of dollars in sales and more importantly a bajillion dollars a year in delight by not doing this.
This week, you'll have the chance to delight someone or take the lazy way out.
I implore you, always choose delight.
P.S. For more ideas like this, read this.
Leading Strategic Incubation for Walmart Marketplace Business Development, driving success.
7 年It's amazing how much of a brand impact (positive or negative!) can be had with such a small decision. Case in point, THIS post! Thanks for helping us remember Jon Acuff. This could have been a "be like Trader Joe's" post if one store manager would have been on board.... Every interaction counts!
Human Being at Power Home Remodeling Group
7 年Best Danish Kringle I've ever had sold here! I bought 7 this year with the excuse that I'll share them with my extended family. Still debating whether I'll invite them now...
Investor
7 年Nashville should make up for the mistake and take it to a new level. May I suggest using a real animal. Raise the bar Nashville. Raise the bar....
Healthcare Executive | Product Strategy & Enablement Leader | Driving Scalable, Data-Driven Solutions | Bridge builder | Passionate People Leader
7 年I'm betting the Nashville location will be doing the stuffed animal thing shortly... especially when district management (and higher) gets wind of this post. Well done, Jon. Thanks for sharing the lessons - they’re always a challenge and a help.
Digital Matchmaker | $4M+ Revenue Growth | $190K+ Savings | Digital Strategy & Ops Leader
7 年The little things can add up to a lot! That's a great idea.