SASKATOON — The Fall Buymart of Federated Co-operatives had the weather on its side as it kicked off on Saturday with a series of meetings for co-op managers and staff. In preparation for the trade show that would begin the next day, they heard from Don Ryan, FCL’s marketing manager for the Home and Building Solutions business, about the importance of real customer service. He pointed out a distinction between a customer and a consumer, saying the latter requires more meaningful interaction but pays off with a bigger commitment to rely on one’s store for retail solutions.
On Sunday, the show had lots of traffic, as an estimated 700 managers and employees from 400 stores walked the aisles. The fall show is divided into hardware and building materials in one hall, and agro products on the other.
(Full story on our visit to the Federated Co-op Buymart in next Monday’s blazing edition of the HARDLINES weekly e-newsletter! Click here to subscribe to this astounding publication!)
