order fulfillment, pick pack ship, product distribution, warehousing, sustainability, e-commerce, logistics, services

(this blog has been re-posted from Chris Bingham’s personal blog – originally published 7/16/2009)

I’ve recently moved into a new house. I’m very close to a Wal-mart and a Target. I have done a bit of shopping at each store over the past month to be a relative expert of the discount retail market dominated by these two.

I have one observation – the demographics of the workforce are relatively the same but the attitude of the workforce is entirely different. Not even close. I would never let my daughter work at Wal-mart. (she’s only 2 but I’m thinking ahead.) I will encourage her to apply for a job at Target.

I feel totally unappreciated leaving Wal-mart from the way I was treated. Opposite for Target. Teenage men mumble forced dialog at Wal-mart. Teenage men are enthusiastic and respectful gentlemen while working at Target, even if only at work.

How does Target do it? Whatever they are doing, maybe they should offer “How to” parenting classes similar to Home Depot’s building classes. They have obviously figured how to turn almost anyone into a loyal customer-focused employee.

Target seems to be more than a job and more like a right of passage for young teenagers. It truly is remarkable. Take notice, then compare to Wal-mart. Let me know what you think.