Friday, October 26, 2007

Nestle X-Crunch!


Hadn’t had a Nestle Crunch bar in awhile. The last one had no ‘crunch’ – and it was fresh. I don’t this was a temporary quality or production issue, but instead a reformulation, where it far inferior to before. In fact, I don’t think the product ever had much ‘crunch’, but rather some ‘crisp’. I can recall in the not too distant past that one could suck on a chunk of ‘crunch’ bar and be left with some crispy bits at the end. I see that someone has completed a thorough analysis of Nestle Crunch vs Hersheys Krackel. That author stated that the overall winner was CRUNCH. I must differ, and my decision is based on who better delivers against the promise of texture. CRUNCH fails miserably on this; Krackel still delivers crispiness – and the name Krackel better promises it.

http://www.ninthfloor.com/crunchkrackel.html

Based on my recent experience with CRUNCH, I believe the brand group should change the name to Nestle X-crunch.

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Thursday, October 25, 2007

LOWES: Let’s Shop Together – so I can more easily ‘build something together’


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

Mooresville, NC 28117

RE: Let’s Shop Together – so I can more easily ‘build something together’

Dear Robert,
First let me say, I’m a fan of Lowes. In fact, I have written on multiple occasions on behalf of helpful sales staff across many departments. In the past year, I have spent many thousands of dollars at Lowes throughout the store and another chunk at Home Depot, for both my home as well as my real estate investment properties. Lowes is my preference, tho HD does carry some unique items I like.

I am overwhelmed when I walk in any of these DIY home stores. On many occasions in the past 2 months, I have come in with a list of items from my contractor to pick up – so the crew can do the hard work while I keep supplies flowing. I think I have purchased items in virtually every aisle of the store. Often when I enter the store, I head to the service desk, to see if there might be anyone who could be my personal shopper for 15 minutes – so that I can get out of the store in a fraction of the time. No one is ever free to help, but I consistently ask – as it is often hard to find folks in the departments to help. At a minimum, I ask the desk staff what aisle I can find the items on my list to get me started. When I’m left to my own devices, the shopping experience is frustrating, confusing, and highly inefficient
I realize that for many men enjoy strolling your aisles for their own entertainment and to see what’s new. I don’t even like shoe shopping. I get a little panicky when I enter Lowes.

So, my request is that you consider offering personal shopper service – maybe 15 minutes free, ideally targeted to women, who will admit they need help! Then, if they want more than 15-20 mins, I expect they would surely pay $20 per hour (or $5/for 15 mins), or a 2-3% upcharge on their order. Maybe only offer it on ‘ladies day’ on a mid-week day and evening for free to drive new business. Women’s purchasing is significant and no one is addressing this audience. No question I get more personalized service at my local ACE Hardware, but I need the breadth and selection of Lowes.
Try it and see if it pays out at some locations before expanding it. Huge PR opportunity. Huge buzz opportunity. I would most definitely tell many folks about it. Can you start the test in Denver metro, please?

If this is of no interest to you, please let me know, and I’ll bug Home Depot to consider it
Thanks very much,

FGo1

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