Here’s how some of the biggest grocery chains got started. I still remember a series of commercials from Albertsons that had a butcher singing “It’s Joe Albertson’s supermarket, but the meat department is mine.” Glad to see there really was a Joe Albertson! 1. ALBERTSONS After 12 years as a clerk and manager for Read More…
Author: RetailGuy
I have worked in retail for over 40 years. I've seen the good, the bad, the ugly, and the completely unbelievable.
10 Items That Even Walmart Wouldn’t Sell
WalMart has pulled a lot of items over the years, but here are some of the most memorable. I really wish I could have gotten a Superbad fake ID, it would have been worth it just to use it a couple times when I’m asked for my ID while making a $15.00 purchase at Read More…
Walmart employee accused of stealing $240K from store
Over the years I’ve had a lot of trusted employees steal from my store. I’ve always subscribed to the 5/90/5 rule–meaning 5% of people will steal from you no matter what, 5% would NEVER steal from you no matter what, and the other 90% might if you give them a motive and opportunity. I Read More…
The Doctored Doctor Note
This is from notalwaysworking.com, we’ve had a lot of discussion about sick calls and how to handle them, but this is one of the best. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch this interaction… Doctored Doctor Note (I work as a manager in a retail store. I have one Read More…
Something Stinks at WalMart
This is an interesting article about WalMart closing 5 stores for what could be called suspicious reasons. I wonder if any of the 2,000 employees that were laid off truly believe there’s something wrong with the plumbing, although I’m sure they believe that something stinks… Earlier this year, WalMart became one of several corporate Read More…
Is Walgreens Close To Buying Rite-Aid?
The rumors have been floating for a while, and a board member of Walgreens Boots Alliance is hinting that an acquisition of some kind might be VERY close. Walgreens is hosting an analyst day on Wednesday and Thursday this week so stay tuned for further details. I’m sure CVS is listening… NEW YORK — The buzz Read More…
Has Your Manager Checked Out?
This article is from Forbes and talks about the lack of engagement in managers. It applies to retail too, my comments are in red. There are those who can manage inventory, and those who can manage PEOPLE. Needless to say, the latter are more successful. New Study Shows 51% Of Managers Have ‘Checked Out,’ Read More…
25 Pictures That Perfectly Sum Up Working In Retail
I have to admit, I’ve made the #7 face quite a bit. But then I do #9 after they’re out the door. #13 looks familiar but there’s not enough tennis balls to truly convey my typical day… 1. On keeping it real: 2. On staying the course: 3. On breaks: 4. On Read More…
11 Bizarre and Dangerous Items Sold by Sears in 1902
Sears has struggled mightily over the last decade or so, but they were America’s #1 retailer for a LONG time. And that’s kind of surprising see as how they were trying to poison people with arsenic, turpentine, wolfsbane, and nitric acid, as well as castrate them with knives. Not sure how that would play Read More…
The Craziest 7 Items Sold By Skymall
As I told you a while back, Skymall is going bankrupt and won’t be selling a lot of crazy items. Although I also told you that they were saved and will still be around, they won’t be selling a lot of the more interesting items any more. So luckily, Amazon carries most of the special Read More…