Gregory Maloney on LinkedIn: Video shows devastating impact of popularized fast fashion hauls: 'This… (2024)

I have always said, if I won the lottery, I would love to work as a barrista. Why would someone want to do that you ask? Two reasons:1. Most of the barristas I interact with seem quite happy and enjoy their job.2. For the most part, people spending $5+ on a beverage that has 13 syllables probably are pretty happy too. And even those that are a little stressed out, seem happier as they depart the shop.Perfect example of both - a couple of days ago, I was having a difficult start to my day and I was frustrated about something. I started the day with an order from our local Starbucks. My drink came with a little extra joy. A week later and I don't recall what my frustration was about, but I remember this!How can you make someone smile today?#servicewithasmile #spreadsomejoy

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My first job as a software developer was to test programs of senior developers. I had to figure out what the "Expected Results" were of the code I was testing. So I had to understand the purpose of program as well as the developer. If my test cases resulted in an actual outcome that differed from the expected outcome (i.e. the purpose), the code went back to the programmer to modify the program to reach the purpose.While I understand the purpose of the minimum wage hike was to better the situation of employees working at less than the new minimum, if someone had tested the minimum wage hike, it might have been obvious that the actual outcome isn't aligned with the expected outcome.#AccentureAlum#Automation#ConsumerUltimatelyWinsFast food chains have found a way to get around minimum wage hikes (msn.com)

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A couple of weeks ago, I posted an article related to Wendys testing “Dynamic” pricing, meaning that they could vary the pricing by time of day or day-part.The negative reviewers suggested Wendys would use it to implement “Surge” pricing (i.e. higher prices during peak times like ride-sharing app businesses do).I and others suggested it could be used to implement a pricing strategy that compels customers to visit during non-peak times, much like my local Sonic Drive-in Happy Hour.This would effectively make operations easier if you could achieve a more balanced business throughout the day.It could also achieve a revenue increase if successful.I also suggested that Wendys could explore a Disney Fast Pass concept allowing for premium service placing higher paying customers at the front of the ordering and/or prep lines.No one would be forced to pay more, but it is a convenience that might be worth it for some people all the time and most people some of the time.Attached here is an article indicating that Walmart is testing the Disney Fast Pass concept for self checkout for Walmart+ customers.The idea is premium customers would be provided a premium self checkout experience.No one is forced to pay for it; but for those willing to pay $98/year, they will receive a premium service.I’m still on the fence as to whether self checkout is better for me personally or not.I believe if the operations are set up right, many of my frustrations could be remedied.But that’s a topic for another day.I like the approach Walmart is pursuing here.You can still have a self checkout experience without the premium pricing.You can even have an associate assisted checkout experience if you want it.These options will be less convenient; but the customer gets to choose.As a consultant who has helped many retail and product brands solve business problems and differentiate their businesses from the competition, I’m fascinated watching businesses try new things.It is especially interesting when a brand imports a concept from another industry to apply in their business – ala Disney Fast Pass concept for a Walmart self checkout experience.What are your thoughts on this test? What other ideas from other industries can make a retail or product experience better?Walmart, The Wendy's Company, SONIC Drive-In #customerservicealwayswinsWalmart shoppers fume as they accuse chain of charging $98 a year for self-checkouts (msn.com)

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Interesting experiments in the world of Fast Food.On the surface, this sounds a bit scary.If one brand does this and others don’t follow, it could be a significant hit to brand loyalty.While I don’t track prices of my favorite fast food items close enough to know exactly what the price is when I order it, I can tell you that if I knew that the item I wanted was costing me more simply because I want to eat at a popular time, I’d probably seek alternatives.If the pricing rules are too complicated, I might even be inclined to steer away from the brand altogether.I already feel that I am paying an additional price when dining at a popular time.It just comes in the form of waiting longer.There could be creative ways to do this where it doesn’t seem like a “penalty” to the consumer.I’ll reference a similar example of this already in place in the industry.I’ll also offer an idea from a different industry.1)Sonic Drive-in restaurants long ago, introduced “Happy Hour.”During a time when Sonic stores were typically quiet, they began offering half-price drinks and slushes.We took advantage of that plenty of times when it was my turn to pick up kids from school.And guess what - we frequently indulged in a few appetizers and other treats.While I felt rewarded, so did Sonic . . . Win-Win!I didn’t feel like it was a price surge during busy times, but I bet if I did some research, I’d find that prices climbed enough to make up for the discounts and not just during busy times.I just know when I order my favorite Sonic Cheeseburger Combo, it will always be the same price whatever time of day.OK, so this isn’t truly “surge pricing,” but it probably achieved similar results.2)How about we take a page from Disney Theme Parks.Most of us are familiar with the higher priced “Fast Pass” entry that comes with the ability to skip the long lines for our favorite rides.What if a Fast Food brand offered the ability to bypass the ordering or the prep queue for a premium price?At least then as a customer, I could evaluate whether it is worth the extra cost to me if I’m in a hurry or just don’t want to wait.This idea wouldn’t necessarily need to be implemented only at busy times.If I were in a hurry, I’d probably consider paying a small premium to be served faster.What are your thoughts on these questions?·Will surge pricing work in Fast Food?Why or why not?·What other ideas might we think of to accomplish the same goal without sacrificing brand loyalty?·Are there operational ideas for dealing with the customer surge that don’t impact menu pricing?

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I’ve had a few come to visit and it was great to connect with some new folks looking for a place to rejuvenate. I’m in a similar place today. Come see me!

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Location, location, location! I’ve got a table in front of the main Starbucks on the 2nd Floor at the Javits Center. It is valuable “real estate.” If you are looking for a place to rest your feet or grab a coffee, come find me!#nrf2024

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I am happy to be headed to NRF's Big Show 2024 in NYC. Let me know if you are going and we can grab coffee and catch up! Looking forward to seeing many of you there.https://nrf.com/https://lnkd.in/d-rEbSgM#nrf2024

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I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Member Board of Directors at SoberLife Recovery, Inc.!

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