Can’t we all just get along?

Author: jen
Filed under:

Monday
Dec 17,2007

I’m not sure if this is a localized problem or not, but here it seems there has always been a trend for one LSS owner to try and, uhh for lack of a better term, eat the other LSS owners in the area ALIVE. What’s with that? Historically I’ve found that we get a lot further working together than trying to take each other out. Sadly, I’ve only run into one or two store owners that share my outlook over the last five years. What a shame. Again, I’m not sure if this is a localized problem or not, but I’d certainly be interested in knowing.

At any rate, last week I got an email from a LSS. I won’t mention any names, but I am going to share the email and my thoughts, you’re shocked I know…

So this is what I got:

Subject: We’re Staying in Business Sale!

We’re Staying in Business Sale

We
are saddened by all the local stores going out of business and would like to
tell you that we are here to stay! And to thank you for that, we are
having a ”We’re Staying in Business Sale” this
weekend! Come save money on all the newest and latest
products!

Join us this Saturday
& Sunday, December 15 & 16 Only!!!

Cardstock: 4 for $1.00

Storage Items: 40%
Off

Cutting Tools: 40%
Off

Everything Else: 25% Off

Thank you for keeping us in business for the past 7 years!

There was a little more fluff in the bottom half of the email, but basically, the above was the majority of the message. Yes, We’ve had several stores close here, and two that are closing this month. Macomb County is saturated with stores, but it is sad to see anyone go. BUT - What saddens me more is to see another store pick on those that are leaving the industry!! I may be the only one, ok well I know I’m not the only one, to think this email was just awful and to make it that topic of an in store sale is just terrible if you ask me.

I found this email not only tacky, but really rude, mocking and insensitive to the other store owners and whatever personal situations might have contributed to the closure, or imminent closure of their stores. It just seems pretty childish and all around nasty to name a sale after another’s misfortune.

I didn’t shop this sale, and at this point, I probably won’t go into the store again. It just left a really bad taste in my mouth.

Enough said!

3 Responses for "Can’t we all just get along?"

Jana December 18th, 2007 at 8:34 am
I got that email too, I completely agree. I actually stopped shopping there a while ago. The problem I’ve run into with some of the LSS is that their customer service starts to decline after a while.

Which LSS’s are closing?

p.s. I took your xmas card class at the Scrap Palace a few months back. Everyone loves the xmas cards!!!
jen December 18th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Hi Jana,

I’m glad you enjoyed the cards. I have so much fun doing the card classes. It’s nice to spend some time with adults.

I too agree on the service. I’ve heard that about Scrapbook Tree.

Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.
Heidi December 20th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
Hi jen. Not sure if you know who I am, but I work at the Emporium. I heard about your comment on your blog from a customer and just wanted to address it. The email was not in any way shape or form a dig or rip on any of the stores that were closing. I think anyone who works at or owns a store knows how tough the competition is. It was suggested to us by several customers that we let everyone know that we were not closing. With so many stores in the area we had a lot of people calling inquiring if we were one of the stores closing. People were asking us if it was ok to buy Gift Certificates for Christmas Gifts if we were not going to remain open. If anything the store closings we hurting our sales more then helping them. All I believe we were trying to do is offer a great deal to our customers and remind them that we were not one of the stores closing their doors. I’m sure that the owner would say the same thing. I do hope that you would choose to visit our store. I’m sorry if past shopping experiences have left you unhappy, I would love to talk to you more to get feedback. We can’t fix it if no one tells us it’s broken. Thanks for your time.