LUXERY RETAIL SPACE: Banana Republic, Polo Park Mall
NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS IN THE STORE: Up to 6
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere in Banana Republic was very simplistic and clean. Everything was displayed easily and nicely for clients, without over crowding the store or their product. The sections were also divided nicely so you could find the style you were searching for, and had everything there you would need to complete the look.
HOW LONG FOR ASSISTANCE: It took about 15 mins for assistance from a store employee, with me signalling someone over for assistance.
QUESTIONS THEY ASKED: The first question they had asked was “What are you looking for?”. After describing what it was I was searching for, they had asked what was my colour palette for my wardrobe and what are some favourite things I like to wear in my wardrobe, really getting an idea of my personal style.
LIKES: I really like how the store was displayed, being simple but effective. I did like the fact that they took the time to ask me questions about my personal style to help me find exactly what it was that I was looking for,
DISLIKES: Things I disliked in the store was it did take some time to get help, and that was with me signalling someone over for assistance. The clothing was also a little over priced and definitely not budget appropriate for the average customer.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU WORKED THERE: I would definitely try to be on top of helping out customers without shadowing or crowding them. With a store like that you would expect top notch service and attention, especially if you are doing a big shop. Other than that I found the store really nice and a good experience.
RESTURANT: Tim Hortons, Winnipeg Square Mall
NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS IN THE LOCATION: 15-20
ATMOSPHERE: Very hectic, loud and busy. Everyone seemed to be going at a fast pace and seemed to be rushed.
HOW LONG FOR ASSISTANCE: Took about 10 mins from waiting in line before it was my turn to order my food.
QUESTIONS THEY ASKED: They started off by saying “How can I help you today?” and after ordering my food asked “If that was everything?”. The end of the transaction was “How are you paying today?”.
LIKES: I liked that they all seemed to be working hard and were on top of providing fast service. They seemed to also be in a decent to good mood and were trying to represent there location the best way that they could.
DISLIKES: They seemed to be out of a lot of products (donuts, bagels, cookies, etc.) and the location itself was really small and congested. It wasn’t the most comfortable place to go an order coffee, but at the same time I get that their location is also a fast passed location for people on the go, as it is downtown.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU WORKED THERE: Working there, i would have definitely made sure that the bakers and employees were on top of keeping everything stocked for the clients and customers coming into the store. That way you can make sure every customer leaves happy and satisfied. I would have also found a way to make the store feel a little bigger, and not so small and claustrophobic.
ENTERTAINMENT SPACE: Human Rights Museum, 85 Isreal Asper Way
NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS IN THE MUSEUM: Roughly about 30
ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was very calm and quiet. It had a very relaxing feel while being there.
HOW LONG FOR ASSISTANCE: We were greeted as soon as we walked into the museum when we paid for our admission.
QUESTIONS THEY ASKED: The girl at the front desk asked “How can I help you today?” and “If you have been here before”.
LIKES: I really loved the architecture of the museum. I also really enjoyed how each section was clearly labeled and defined as different parts of human rights. The information as well was all there and was very interesting. Really helped me learn a lot about different human rights movements and times in our history.
DISLIKES: There were some areas of the museum that were blocked off which kind of threw off the vibe of the location. There also was no parking except for the forks, so we did have to walk a bit to enter the location.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF YOU WORKED THERE: I would have just made sure that renovations were finished in the museum and that there was closer parking for clients, especially elderly clients and handicapped clients. It would make things easier for customers and clients coming to visit the museum.
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT YOUR GUESTS WITH YOUR BUSINESS:
If I was to have my own salon there are many important things I would make sure to implement in my business. First being that customers and clients are number one priority. You always was your clients to feel welcomed and genuinely happy to see them and appreciate their business. I would also make sure all my employees were curious and respectable to clients. They reflect your business as a whole and help provide the image.
Dress code would always have to be clean and professional, but obviously letting my employees have a bit of taste of their personality in it. Body language would always have to be warm and welcoming. There is nothing worse than feeling like you are bothering someone when you are a client, and I am a firm believer in treating people with happiness and fairness.
The store/salon itself would always be kept neat and clean. I am also a bit of an OCD freak and I would make sure that everything was in its place and very clear and easy for clients to navigate through the salon if they wanted to shop or take a look at the location.
I would always make sure to ask them appropriate and detailed questions such as “Have you been here before?”, “What kind of services have you had?”, “What can you do to make you have a great experience today?”, and detailed questions about their personality and style to really give them a great final product and experience.
I lastly would make sure while they are finishing up their service, to always ask for feedback on our the salon can improve their services, and make their next experience that much better, but making sure to keep an open mind about their feedback and opinions. They are going to help make or break your business, and it is very important to keep that happy and wanting to come back to visit your location, because they can go to any other salon for the same service, but you are the defining point in making sure they come back to your specific location and to see you.
