Issue 04/08

Europe - Notes from Bernie Collins

Due to the conferences, for the past two weeks no team talk has been issued, which caused a small communication problem with the run up to new 50% off sale, so, my apologies for the delay in getting sale information out.

Now this is out and the sale has commenced, all Managers should by now have contacted regular customers and have POS displayed prominently in and around the store. Our start to the year on made to measure has been slow and below is our first month’s measure sales performance.

Made to Measure

Fiscal Wk	Wk Ending	Budget	Forecast	Target	L/Year	2008	V Tgt	$ Var
2008/01	08/04/2007			8,645	15,961	6,033
2008/02	15/04/2007			5,531	7,430	5,085
2008/03	22/04/2007			4,697	5,291	2,790
2008/04	29/04/2007			6,094	5,037	5,469
Totals				24,967	33,719	19,377	78%	-5,590

With only 78% of trade against target being achieved it is certainly nothing to write home about, but now with the opportunity of the 50% off sale this deficit should be easily pulled back and business turned around into a plus. One branch on the European area has not broken away from nil on measures to date this year.

On ready to wear trade has been steady and with the new merchandise touching down branches are looking a lot better merchandised. All branches I know are crying out for replenishment on SB3 00303MJ and 00304MT and with the information received from Tracey at the conference, this should be completed soon in time for the ‘prom’ business to commence.

All branches should now have an ample supply on ties as the second drop is touching down.

So how are we doing on Ready Made? please see below

Fiscal Wk	Wk Ending			Target	L/Year	2008	V Tgt	+ Var
2008/01	08/04/2007			37,239	38,104	39,128
2008/02	15/04/2007			36,195	45,924	42,067
2008/03	22/04/2007			43,567	42,603	47,474
2008/04	29/04/2007			41,119	45,012	32,672
Totals				158,120	171,643	161,342	102%	+3,222

As you can see 102% of RM target has been achieved, but this also shows a short fall against last year’s achieved trade by $10k. So introduce that extra item to push for the higher receipt value, Introduce, eye catching, Salesmanship, and sell that extra item. YOU ARE THE FRONT LINE.

Last week, whilst visiting stores with John in preparation for handing over the business, in one branch I was very disappointed with the cleanliness of the department. As part of my notes in Team Talk issue 21 / 07, I gave instructions to all Managers to ‘Spring Clean’ the department. In this particular store these instructions had obviously been ignored, the back bays were so dusty it was disgusting.

I now instruct all Managers to keep their department and garments dust free at all times. All fixtures must be dusted on a daily basis and failure to do this will result in disciplinary action being taken. It is part of your Managerial responsibilities to complete these duties and maintain company standards on cleanliness.

Bernie

USA - Notes from Andy Schofield

Well, we lost a few days trading last week due to the conference and we didn’t manage to beat target. We did manage to have a decent weekend trading and cumulatively we came in at 71% and 87% against last years figure. Made to Measure is slow to get going, but I am looking at this week as our first week of the 50% Off sale – our first “Full” week, so let’s see some BIG numbers in week 6 guys.

Quantico (Mark Fletcher & Amanda Higgins) had an excellent week on made to measures last week with over $7000 in MtM sales alone. Coupled with almost $3000 in RM sales, they came in first place with 119% Cumulative Target Achieved – Well done to the CDM and the latest addition to the team! (Good job guys).

Only two branches made target this week, so no table.

• 1st Place - QUANTICO - with 119% Cumulative Target Achieved
• 2nd Place - BUCKLEY - with 104% Cumulative Target Achieved

Well done Mark & Amanda at Quantico and Paul at Buckley.

You pulled out all the stops this week, even though it was a short one…. Well Done!

Keeping It Clean!

Unfortunately last week, whilst doing a branch visit with Adam Lucas, I came across one of the branches that had cupboards and measure bars filled to the brim with papers, dusters and old paperwork.

Remember what I spoke about at the conference. Customers see these areas too, and it is a direct reflection on our business if these areas look dirty and untidy. Before I run into any more branches that are in this state, SPRING CLEAN your department today. Remember that the computer runs better and more efficiently if it has the maximum amount of breathing space. There shouldn’t be anything in the PC cupboard other than hardware.

Keep it clean please!!

New Store Updates

Fort Bragg received it’s new shop last week (Wk. 4) and looks fantastic! The GM for AAFES in that area said the shop looked “Awesome” and the entire store were amazed at how fast it went together. I assisted the two shop fitters and I have to agree – it looks great!!

(click on image to view larger)

Good luck Adelle, it’s your time to shine and make the new shop work for you…. You Can Do It!

IMPORTANT! HAVE YOU SENT OUT YOUR 50% OFF LETTERS???

Good luck this week - let's go for it!

Andy

50% Off Made to Measure - Europe

Below is a ready reckoner for the current 50% OFF promotion for both areas of the business, please keep this to hand at all times:-

Alexandre London
Made to Measure Price List - AAFES Exchange Europe
50% off Promotion Commences 1st May thru 31st May 2007

Style	Windsor $	President $	Blue Chip $	L & S / VIP $	Buckingham $
	Panama	White Sands	Bellissimo	L & S / VIP	Mills
Mens Two Piece Suit	323	393	423	485	1070
Mens Three Piece Suit	373	473	488	548	1195
Mens Topcoat	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mens Jacket	233	283	303	343	760
Mens Trouser	103	128	138	153	335
Mens Vest (Satin Back)	83	88	103	118	255
Mens Tuxedo Suit	373	443	458	518	1145
Mens Tuxedo Jacket	288	338	353	403	885
Frock coat - All Grades	$20		Lining Charge	All Grades	$20

DIRECT SEND TO USA CHARGE - $50 PER CUSTOMER

Bunches Available In This Offer

Panama	Lord and Shakespeare
White Sands	VIP Traveller
Bellissimo	Jacket and Trouser

Issue 04/08 Resources

• Flash Sales 2008/05 (w/e 06/05/07)