Peace, Love and Change Your Mood!

“Peace, Love, Happiness” by G. Love & Special Sauce

How can you sit still when it plays? Guaranteed to shift you mindset and improve your mood.
Great lyrics. Great message. Music can change the world and transcend language differences. Can we get this song adapted by other countries and cultures?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtdrK44M8n0
http://www.philadelphonic.com/home

Costco does it again!

1/13/09

Jim Sinegal

Costco CEO

Dear Jim,

Happy New Year! I meant to send this before the holidays, based on some more wonderful experiences at my favorite Costco locations.

Always enjoy reading about you and your leadership at Costco. I was in Park Meadows Costco in Denver 2 weeks ago and felt compelled to write ANOTHER fan letter. Maybe I should preprint some postcards for each trip to tell you what delighted me on my latest trip.

I still tell folks how thrilled I was to get your email in response to a note I sent you a couple years ago. I so admire you and the company. I had the pleasure of saying hi in person sometime in 2007 when you were out here for a nearby grand opening.

On the Friday before Xmas, the store and parking lot were packed 10 minutes after opening. That makes me nervous, but you can certainly handle the crowds so very well.


Optical – Park Meadows
Alex
Outstanding service level and knowledge from Alex. He is the first person ever to educate me on sizing of eyeglass frames as I tried on a range from different ‘sections’ and accurately identified the right width for me. Guess what: each section is a different SIZE. And there is actually a small size # indicated on the stickers on the glasses. Guess what else: There is NO SIGN above the section telling me what size it is. Even a 2” square paper in the upper left corner of the display panel would not interfere with the overall requisite signage. Sure would help me shop in a more efficient manner if I could quickly identify what section I should be looking in.

Cheese roadshow –Park Meadows
After strolling thru the refr deli section, filling up on the usual Roquefort, brie, gourmet cheddars, camembert and gruyere in anticipation of holiday entertaining, I come upon a major gourmet cheese (and smoked salmon) roadshow. OMG! Amazing selection. Bummer it would only be 5 day window. I’ll surely be invited back to whoever’s home I bring this caramel-y cheddar, creamy French treat or cranberry goat cheese!

Rotisserie Chickens
We all know how popular your $4.99 Rotis chickens are. I love seeing 10 shoppers deep crowding the area while fresh chickens are being removed from the ovens and trayed up. On a recent trip to the Mountain View, CA location, we were more than 10 deep awaiting the hot birds. I was impressed with the speed of delivery – the trays were pre-layed out, and 2 staffers were adding the lids as the ‘chief’ placed them into the trays. The anticipation made me wonder if a tape of a drum roll or a sound effect of a rooster might be appropriate to signal that fresh hot roti chicken was now available for selection!

You get what you pay for
You are often criticized for paying more in wages from analysts and your response is usually around the fact that you wish to be a responsible citizen and pay a fair wage.

I think the analysts are missing the boat. The company who pays lower wages, on average, gets lower quality help. And that DOES make a difference to us shoppers/members.

The reason your per-store sales are 2X of Sams is because your customers are more passionate about your brand – and a big part of what makes the Costco brand superior is your people. Consistently helpful and friendly. Never do I hear ‘not my job’. Real hustle. They are engaged and proud. They are your brand and they represent you well. Sure the discovery hunt is amazing and the products divine, but if I have a question, I want to ask ONE person only and I want them to help me. I am always impressed with the staff quality at Costco. I cannot say this about most retailers. Sure, some good folks at your competition, but the average is lower. You get what you pay for. I choose Costco BECAUSE I can count on excellent store staffers throughout.

Kevin at #1027 Tire Center(Sheridan CO) was also very helpful on a recent trip. Always a pleasure!

Thanks again for all the wonderful shopping adventures!
Julie

Goya Identity Confusion

Hey Goya, How about an original thought? I just saw a TV commercial for Goya

Each commercial ends with the tagline: "If it's Goya, it has to be good."

"With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good®" has been around for over 50 years.

Sorry, Grey, a big miss with this campaign!

Rockin Ravioli

Butternut Squash Ravioli from Safeway's Eating Right frozen food. I know from experience that unusual varieties are not likely to hold onto shelf space for long - so enjoy them when you can. and, for under $3, most definitely worth a try. For mere economics, I cannot compete and try to make it myself.

Here's what's good about it:

* I love butternut squash and here's a great way to enjoy it

* The pasta was firm - maybe almost a little firm, but it held up well and had good texture. Tasted better when I let it sit a little while.

* The veggies were still tasty and not all mushy

* The colorful veggies made this a beauty to eat

* The package says there is 10g of protein. A bit surprised for pasta and veggies.

* Love that it's vegetarian. A nice option

Just wanted to share this consumer's opinion.

Enjoy it with red or white!

Lowe’s: Let’s paint a new message!

Mr. Robert A. Niblock
Chairman and CEO
Lowes, Inc.
1000 Lowe's Blvd.Mooresville, NC 28117

RE: New commercial “Official Paint of America’s largest home”

Dear Robert,

In addition to purchases across almost all your departments, I have purchased many gallons of paint in the past year at Lowe’s. At different locations and different times and am pleased with the matching. I am a satisfied customer who shares my enthusiasm about Lowe’s with others. I’ve written fan letters, praising the staffs at my local stores. I pay attention to your commercials.

I just saw your latest commercial, where you highlight that Lowe’s is the “official paint of America’s largest home”. Is this supposed to be compelling to me? I did some research to discover it was the Biltmore – with some history. Interesting, but will anyone else look up this information? This is perhaps a limited PR play to a narrow audience - not a national TV campaign idea.

Upon my first exposure, a claim to be the official paint of the country’s largest home is self serving and offensive. Such a monstrous mansion is a waste of money. A waste of energy to maintain. Maybe a subbrand called Trump paint would be appropriate for such an ostentatious home and matter to others with monster houses. But not for the Lowe’s core brand. It does not communicate quality, which was likely your objective. Instead it says wastefulness. Why would anyone want to be associated with this? Politically incorrect today.

How about taking pride in being the ‘official selection’ of Michele Pruitt or Sari Padorr’s home – average homeowners who LOVE color on their walls and really know paint!

When it comes to paint, who do I ask for their recommendations? Neighbors, friends (Michele and Sari!) and Norm the awesome handyman. Not the owners or contractors of the largest house.

Introduce me to my neighbor who loves Lowe’s paint and other Lowe’s signature items. Tell me their story.

On a positive note, I do like what you’ve done with the sub-sites – Lowe’s for pros and Lowe’s Creative Ideas. Those are more relevant to your brand and offer helpful and deep content.

Have a colorful day!

FGof1

Monkey Love!

Grease Monkeys: Alex, Nate, Keith, Eddie

Mr. Rex L. Utsler
President & CEO
Grease Monkey International, Inc.
7100 E. Belleview Ave.Suite 305Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Dear Rex,

Car maintenance is a nuisance I would prefer not to hassle with. Even a simple oil change. But an oil change at Grease Monkey is a great experience. I have enjoyed multiple experiences at 2 specific Grease Monkey locations in Centennial, CO.

The entire GM brand experience is pleasant. You understand that the brand experience is so much more than delivering a good oil change at a reasonable price with prompt friendly service.
The Monkey Love Brand Experience is all the touch points, starting with the un-littered appearance of the parking lot. A well dressed, uniformed. clean, friendly and professional manager greets me. I know it’s only an oil change, but I feel like my car is in good hands.

Sometimes I swing in just to get the tire pressure checked and air added in between. Consistently done with a high level of service.
The waiting room is CLEAN. The magazines are in readable condition. The TV works. There is a little play area with a few kid toys. The process is fast. Maybe this is part of getting ones oil changed anywhere, but I don’t think so. And, not so consistently.
Even the little sticker in the upper inside corner of the windshield is well worded, “Proud to Serve You”

I appreciate that on all my occasions, the crew is friendly, helpful, honest, knowledgeable, thorough and professional. And, they treat other customers as they treat me.

The best part of the whole experience is the after service experience. I get back into my car – and the front floor has been vacuumed and a red carnation placed on the dash. You bet I tell my friends where to go for car service.

I have learned that the flower program has been going on for many years across the entire chain. I forget it so it is still a delight and puts a pretty bow on the experience. For any sort of car ‘chore’, this one is pleasant. What a brilliant way to invest 20c for making a great lasting impression.

The details matter. You do them well.

Keep up the good work!
Thanks to Alex, Nate, Keith and Eddie at the County Line & Holly store in Centennial, CO!

FGof1

For a good time on Friday night, tune in here....

2/22/08

Mr. John McLaughlin
The McLaughlin Group

1717 Rhode Island Ave, NW Suite 640

Washington DC 20036


Dear John,

I’m a long time (though inconsistent) viewer and fan of the "GROUP". I especially love the year end awards, predictions and resolutions segments!. Just finished watching tonight’s episode Feb, 22, 2008 and felt compelled to write you immediately.

This was a particularly enjoyable show. Lots of news in presidential politics to discuss. This episode was very watchable and follow-able, with less yelling and talking over from Pat and a more balanced contribution from all participants. I appreciated hearing everyone’s viewpoints. The spirited discussions you conduct are so highly engaging. And, I enjoy Clarence Page more and more each time he appears. And, after a busy work week, I’m kicking back with a 2nd beer and some take out pad thai and TMG. In my PJs. Cheers and thank you for an enjoyable 30 minutes. Oh, and Eleanor, LOVE the new ‘do. Really great color AND cut. You, too, Monica.

In the spirit of 2008 – a year of change, how about a little facelift for the set. Yeah, I know it works, but it’s looking tired and yesterday. Retro it up a little. Keep it low tech, that is much of its charm and simplicity is surely effective and keeps the focus on the content. Maybe a coat of paint. Benjamin Moore. Maybe some more stylish yet classic chairs. A hint of metal? Your audience is not getting any younger, despite SNL’s spoofs of you. You all have interesting things to say, whether I agree or not. THAT is interesting to a larger audience.

And, maybe some update to the website. Besides looking like they only want to talk to my Dad, it’s not very well designed for function. Give me something!! Link to some other content sites. Get someone helping you write a blog. Oooh, maybe a video blog or your day!?

OK Pat, go wild. Embrace your baldness. Cut your hair. You’ll look so young and sexy AND relevant and contemporary. It’s time to leave the 70s. Don’t look back. You CAN do it and be glad you did. Cut it short. Add some highlights and “Dancing with the Stars” will be calling.

PREDICTION: I will receive a signed 8x10 of the Group or at a minimum J.M. himself. Glossy. Black & White. Shipped with cardstock to preserve it. It will arrive unframed. I will frame it and display it proudly.

BYE. BYE.