Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

   Customers are coming in  asking  about bags, belts and filters for cleaners that Wal Mart sells. They were told they were discontinuing these products and want the customers to go online when they need these items. When you need a belt or anything else ,it is," I need it now", not days from now. These customers didn't like being told they had to go to another store if they had what they needed. In our area it is 20 miles in three directions for a store.

  Many small businesses have been driven out of business by this company as well as other big box stores.I feel there will be a ressurection of the Independent Vac Shops because people will find getting parts and service there is better than going online and waiting. Looking at a cleaner and seeing what it will do is better than buying online and hope it does what it is supposed to. Online sales will still be made but having the service after the sale is still important. 

You can say what you will about your favorite brand but when it gets down to buying a cleaner going to a Vac Shop is the best way.  At Wal Mart and the other big box stores they sell you what they want to sell you. At least with Vac shops you can find a wider variety of Vacuums.The Door to Door sales peolpe also have a variety. It is if the cleaner meets the needs of the consumer that they buy.

                                                                                                           Procare

CarmineD wrote:

Mornin' Carmine,

Thanks for the article link.  I think we actually had a WalMart out here in Rego Park, Queens but it appears to have up and disappeared. I've never been fond of WalMart or Target.  Most of what they have is cheap stuff and I am not so enthused to jump in the car and burn gas just to save a penny or two.  It's simpler to walk the couple of blocks to my neighboring nondescript and small supermarket for everyday needs.

I did go to a Target about the size of two or three football fields out on the Island the other day just to kill some time and was sorely disappointed at what they had to offer.  The vac department was either low cost consumer brands or Dyson $#%* -- one of which pushed near the $500 mark.

This article surprised me in that it supplied an actual and accurate description of many shoppers who come to these stores.  They make do the best they can and are prepared to settle for less.  But, don't we all? However, customers out to make do are not good for businesses with execs and investors looking to live large.

Oddly enough I'm crazy about Costco.  Mine is a great big old place that poses no pretense in regard to style.  (Not a floor tile or scrap of rug to be found.) Besides my perception of easily finding worthwhile product there, maybe that's the extra thing that makes me like it.  If I want fancy-smancy, there's always Macy's and I haven't been there in years.

Venson

My pleasure, Venson.  The times they are changin.  Even for big box retail stores and their wares.

We have the market size W*M and the Super Center W*M within about 3 mile radius of each other.  The former has a sparse inventory of vacuum supplies and no vacuums to speak of save an occasional stick/hand vac for sale.  The latter is slowly reducing on-hand vacuum inventory and all their supplies.  It's been a ugly sight to see as the vacuum aisles in the W*M Supercenter gets ignored in the store's down sizing and makeover process.

Carmine D.

More on big box retailers downsizing:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/In-These-Lean-Times-Even-nytimes-799726442.html?x=0&.v=1

Carmine D.

Hi Carmine,

Thanks for the article. Bloomy's, et al, must be in trouble but so are a lot of other folks -- the shoppers. I'll waiting to see if and when the "spartanizing" tactics might eventually make a significant difference for consumers too by way of prices. The more they trim their sails regarding overhead the less we expect to pay.

In past, the higher prices at Bloomingdale's, Macy's and other big department stores might have been excused or looked past due to the stores' efforts to manufacture a kind of special atmosphere, tone I guess is the better word, but that is apparently no longer a concern to shoppers. Everybody is looking to save.

Mr. Underhill's statement about confused customers is both on and off the mark. Yes, people may get confused but why? Considering the kind of near self-service venues they're attempting to move us toward, put out as many brands as you want but in regard to appliances, electronics, etc., provide clearly legible, plain English spec sheets/signs that customers may read for themselves -- especially in stores where sales help is sparse whether or not by design. I'd also add that I've walked out of more stores because in their effort to save they've cut back on staffing at the registers. Keep me in line too long and I begin counting reasons why I can live without whatever I'd intended to buy.

The only place I've seen a remedy for this so far is at Home Depot where they have self-service checkout areas.

There's also the matter of customer confidence. I see lots of sales staff pushing product merely because its sale garners higher commissions. This does not always lead to happiness for the customer. (This appears to happen a lot with Dyson over other good bagless brands though it also seems to only work once every blue moon when price comparisons are made.)

Considering the times and the economy, its sensible that all kinds of shopping venues lose a little fat but customers should never feel they're getting the bum's rush in the process. The store will surely lose in the end.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hello Venson

Totally agree... I also have walked out and left what i planned to purchase due to long lines and countless unused registers. Its gotten to the point where online shopping is more conveinent and less of the hassle... the bbx stores can only lose in the end on this one.

turtle

retardturtle1 wrote:



Hiya turtle,

How have you been?

Thinking on your response I can't help but wonder if that might not be what they want. You can even buy shoes online now. You just have to know your size. A mouse click will show color and provide an all around view.

I believe there are a few sites to which you may submit your measurements and body proportions for clothing buys.

I also make note that established credit is no longer necessary in that debit cards that draw directly from your bank account or pre-paid versions with usage fees are readily available. Just about anyone who wants to gets to play.

Venson

Venson wrote:

Hey Venson

Ive been good....just really busy my friend......and how have you been?

Gotta say its much eiser to order online than to deal with the hassle of the bbx store lines.....the prepaid card is and are the sign of the times.

Turtle

Bloomingdale's is owned by Macy's.  It's done well this year, better than most retailers, and improving over last year's operations.  Enjoying a sales resurgence, reduced costs and expenses, and upper end spending including on-line sales increase of 24% over last eyar.  3rd qtr 2010 profit of $10 MILLION and yearly earnings forecasts of $2 per share.  Total sales increased as same store sales increased 3.9%.  Expecting a good 4th quarter profit and with the current momentum a Holiday season at least as proportional in pricing and sales to last year.

Carmine D. 

Several retailers normally closed on Thanksgiving Day are announcing they will be open.

Retailers are changing with the consumers.  Reflecting the same mood as the customers.  Leaner, meaner, more conservative spenders.  Retailers are adjusting to them too by downsizing and getting more lean.  Good business.

Carmine D.

CarmineD wrote:

Hi Carmine,

I've got nothing against leaner or meaner as long as ease and convenience for shoppers is not overly sacrificed in finding what they like or want and paying up.

Thanks for the heads-up re Thanksgiving store openings. It will be interesting to see if shopping can compete with what's usually a big football day -- a big thing for a lot of Americans.

Venson