Are We Being Served?

Ok, firstly, I know I've been away for forever again. As I said in my last, brief, post; I do have my reasonings, and I am genuinely hoping that my lackings will stop soon as it looks like I'll be moving into the house soon. Which means constant internet access, and my own space as well, which thus means I can start putting pictures back up.

For now though, I want to discuss an article I read today on the Guardian's website, under their Life & Style. It's about Mary Portas, the woman who really made her fame with Mary: Queen of Shops. I have to admit I was completely absorbed with the series, as I personally am a great believer in great service, John Lewis levels of customer service, not Primark service.

In a slightly more professional sense, Portas has worked well towards making her name, originally starting in 1982 as a window dresser for Harrods. From there, she moved across to Topshop. She then finally made her name with Harvey Nichols when she moved there in 1990, turning around their image completely. And then she culminated this growth by setting her own business, Yellowstone, advising multiple stores.

This article that I read today wasn't just a run down on her achievements, or a focused look at her personal life, but instead - to me at least - it gave me an insight into why service can be important to people. There seems to be an obsessive perfectionist side to Mary, noted by the journalist in reference to the fact that when Portas finds the right phrase for what she wants to say, she repeats it multiple times. I personally can understand this, as I am much the same. And to me it reads as if Mary wants to pass on this perfection to others, and isn't afraid to vocalise it - then help rectify and perfect it, unlike many consumers who are happy enough to whinge but never really act on it.

Anyway, I don't know about others, but I really want to change the way service is provided across the country. I know I personally can't make a big change on my own, but none the less, I vow to try to only use stores where you get a service, such as John Lewis. It may cost more, but isn't it worth a few extra pennies to get some one ask if there's anything else they can help with? Or to actually get greeted with "Good morning/afternoon" or even just "Hello" when you approach the paypoint rather than just getting "NEXT!" and greeted with a moody face?

Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but that's my vow for the year - to try to make use of customer service. And to be a good customer too - to say thank you when some one has been helpful. To ask to speak to the manager to compliment the staff, not only to complain.

And in case you're interested in that article about Mary Portas, it's here on the Guardian's website. And she also is a columnist for The Daily Telegraph, reviewing stores on a weekly basis, with constructive criticism being brought across in a bitchy way that does make me giggle but is also often fair. Check some of her columnist work here.

Anyway, will leave it there for now. Happy New Year everyone, things will be up for improvement here, promise.