Don't miss this comment by "Anonymous" in response to my blog post last week titled A&B finally jettisons the downtown Edmonton store. He took issue with the claim made by their General Manager that four salesmen earned $20K each last December.
Anonymous said...
So is that a combined $20,000 between four of the top salespeople? Because I find it really hard to believe that four individuals at Ed Centre made that in one month, especially if it was to be closed a couple months later.I used to work at one of the Calgary stores, and the top guys were doing $10 to $15k, gross, in December. And that was when A&B was still on the map as far as consumers were concerned.Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't believe that claim, especially now that A&B's mindshare has all but evaporated, at least in Alberta. It may be an attempt to lure new blood in to give them a shot, but what happens when the new guys don't make even close to that amount? Seems more like a desparate plea than a triumphant boast.
For what it's worth, I don't know about the downtown store, but I have been told face to face by an individual at the Ed South store who I trust, and who I have every reason to believe is being honest with me, that the top three guys at the south side store were in that ballpark as individual incomes in December. The range was actually $17K - $22K each. I found it hard to credit too, as I don't really know who their customer is anymore, and their ads, in my opinion, are generally weak looking. On the other hand, it's been over a year since someone from that store has asked me for a job, so I'm inclined to think that they are finally happy again, which is good. Truthfully, although it's not clear in the Journal article, it sounds like Mr Ali was referring to the incomes of the top salesmen at Ed South, not his own old store at Ed Center.
What does the future hold for A&B? Damned if I know, but it will be interesting to watch.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
My commentors can be a tough crowd: one of you took exception to the A&B Sound article
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I just bought a subwoofer from A&B's southside location in Edmonton. (Sorry I didn't look you up Lee. Next time for sure.) The experience wasn't horrible, but I never really seem to have a good time shopping for electronics these days. Despite being out of the industry for nearly a decade now I find I am often the most knowledgeable person in the store. I often overhear sales conversations while waiting to be served and have to fight mightily to keep from interjecting myself into them to straighten out the fuzzy explanations I hear sales people using. But I digress.
The salesperson was reasonably helpful, especially considering the burns on his hands (covered by several bandages - one wonders why he was even at work instead of home healing, except that he probably couldn't afford NOT to be at work). Still, the whole exchange between us began with my inquiring as to the price and specifications of a subwoofer on display (no price tag, only a 20% off sign that got my interest). The price was easy - the specs were another matter.
I could chew the salesperson up here but he was in pain and doing the best he could in a cluttered, disorganized and fundamentally unappealing environment - so I made the sale a "gimme" - hopefully he'll have a better day soon.
My question is this - why can't I find ANYBODY in retail electronic sales who is having even a little bit of fun? I experience waiters and waitresses every week who are more fun to be around than these guys. In case no one has pointed this out these folks are working in a TOY STORE. When does that stop being fun? Probably right around the time the management decides to abandon any vision of service, integrity and professionalism in exchange for driving sales through price.
Yeah, I'm guilty - I bought on price - but that's all I was offered. The upside for me is that it is a great little subwoofer and I'm having fun now, but thank goodness I don't have to work where I bought it. OK, I've got two reasons to smile.
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