Yorkshire is putting itself on the map with Customer at the Heart winners – we think this is due to the well received retail clinics we’ve been running here for 4 months.
The great thing to see is that for as many retailers that need help there seems to be fantastic service operations that are passionate about their consumers and the consumers are letting us know about it.
The heart and soul of customer service is passion and creating a smile for EVERYONE who walks through the door.
We have a few CATH nominees where sadly the greeting has let them down. – so remember, each and every time the door opens – it counts,
We’re delighted with the greeting from Anon team in Elland. The lingere specialists are passionate through and through, have great retail theatre and were actually in the process of creating a giant bra for a charity campaign. We loved there retail approach.
Further winners from Yorkshire and beyond have also been announced:
Utility – It’s the dream to be able to buy a present for someone’s birthday and to get the response that they’ve never seen anything like it before. The gift boutique is a must-visit if you have to buy a present. Well known vintage inspired brands like Cath Kidston sit alongside up and coming designers as well as emerging jewellery boutique brands. Service is friendly and relaxed, gift wrapping service helps save valuable time and the range of products changes regularly. www.utilitydesign.co.uk/
The Italian Club in Liverpool is a cafe blending Scottish culture and italian cuisine. Tasty freshly produced food is served with a friendly smile, chatty service. You feel as though you’re a friend being welcomed in from the cold. They’ve also expanded to the Italian Club Fish a few doors away. http://theitalianclubliverpool.co.uk/
Our mystery shopper was left enchanted by the Boudoir Boutique team in Liverpool who gave her a warm welcome and made her shopping experience a magical one. Products are beautifully merchandised into stories throughout the store and the staff are on-hand to offer their expert advice and provide a fantastic personalised service. http://www.boudoir-boutique.com/blog/
Over in Manchester, 3 Eleven Boutique in Hale impressed our mystery shopper with the passion they showed for their premium denim and contemporary fashion clothing. New arrivals were highlighted along with items which had been in the press recently, as well as the gorgeous bag viewed in the window prior to entering. www.3elevenboutique.com/
Teacup and Cakes is a funky teashop based in the eclectic Northern Quarter in Manchester offering a cool layout and atmosphere. Fusing tea, cakes and great music this is a cool place to go to hang out and enjoy a fantastic cuppa and sumptuous cake served by friendly, passionate staff. http://teacupandcakes.com/
The Cornerhouse Bookstore is a creative hub with the use of a cool, understated monochrome throughout the store. Our mystery shopper was duly impressed by the extensive product knowledge of the staff who were well versed in the offer and variety of books for sale and passionate about every single one! The team were a perfect reflection of how staff should encapsulate a brand. They were unassuming but helpful, polite and in tune with the offer. www.cornerhouse.org
Monmouth Coffee, London
http://www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk
Long queues around borough market justified by the experience, taste and sale of coffee. Available in single cup or wholesale, buyers can taste for free, and bags of coffee beans on display with fact sheets and staff very helpful and knowledgeable
Cook & Bakeware company, Huddersfield
http://www.cookandbakeware.co.uk/
Staff on hand to offer advice, and interested in sharing tips & tricks with customers, wide range of products and specialities
Med One, Huddersfield
http://www.med-one.co.uk/
Family atmosphere, great food and staff going the extra mile to make comfort and the ‘feel at home’ atmosphere a priority. No pressurised selling or rushing.
Blue Rinse, Leeds
http://www.bluerinseleeds.co.uk/
A vintage clothing store with a difference, everything you could want or need and helpful, friendly staff who really endorse the brand. Have avoided the trend for pricing up vintage.
Magma Books, Manchester
http://www.magmabooks.com/
Making the use of a smallish space on oldham street, the shop entices you in with a variety of products, all backed up with staff that can recommend, and instruct on anything in the shop. Nice touches with customer picks and allowing us to try out some products before buying.
Our awards have been receiving national attention with coverage this week on the Retail Times site. The full piece can be found here.
