#507 to the max

Yesterday was the opening of a TJ Maxx in our town.  You have to understand that this store is the only discount chain of any type within an hour's drive.  Also know that they did a great job of promoting the grand opening -- billboards, several full-page ads in the paper, radio, banners, an annoying-but-effective sticker on the front page, etc.  You knew that with the demand combined with the hype it would be an event.

And how!  They opened at 8am and by 9am the line was literally snaked around to the back of the store!  The parking lot was overflowing well into the afternoon.  They had donuts, coffee, popcorn, balloons, free TJ bags -- and I even got a hug from the very large store manager when I walked in.  It was the biggest party in town.

Overall the mood was festive and people were positive, except for the regional staff members who were critiquing all the things that weren't right and noting what changes need to be made.  In their opinion, they needed another sign behind the checkout "like we did in Danville." Pillows were needed to accent a chair display.  There was not even a trace of a smile even though the store must have been reaching it fire code capacity.

I hope that they wait a day to share their observations and suggestions with the local store staff.  Sometimes in the effort to tweak the small stuff that needs to be changed, people forget to celebrate the big stuff that is going well.  Don't be the one to rain on the parade.

-- beth triplett
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