KB Toys just filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. They blamed the economy, but I can tell you it was due to poor management, lousy toy selection and filthy stores. A good friend worked in management for years, and left nearly a year ago as he couldn't take the pathetic management from above. The store near my house is always filthy, disheveled, and has the worst people working there. They literally had Hispanics working there who couldn't speak a single word of English!! This was the majority of the workers who dealt with customers! And, the area was not an Hispanic area. Reminds me of the story my uncle told me about the Mc Donalds near him that had a Russian girl working the drive through who couldn't speak English. Can you say "Happy Meal" in Russian?!!
The only thing KB Toys did right was to have a Cars pre-purchase list. You'd buy a gift card and load it with the approximate amount for the Cars you wanted to buy. For instance, if we were waiting for Tumbleweed McQueen, Sally with Cone and Impound Boost, they'd put you down for those three and call you when supply came in. I did this for nearly a year! I had to wait, but always got what I needed! This was a very smart move at the store I'd go to. They had a long list, and it generated consistent sales for them. The list was stupidly dropped when my friend resigned, as he kept it organized and running.
I guess I better go cash in my gift cards for some discounted toys before they go away for good!
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