USA - Notes from Andy Schofield
The end to the first half of the year, compared to the first 25 weeks, has been a difficult one.
Weeks 26 & 27 saw us fall flat against target and also miss last years numbers. Fighting an uncertain government budget, 100+ degree days and failing AC units and military personnel wondering if they’re going to be paid certainly didn’t help us.
As it stands today, we are still close to hitting target and we ARE beating last years numbers. BUT, it looks like we are (yet again!) going to have a fight on our hands to keep our heads above the water level.
This is not impossible for us to do and you shouldn’t get disheartened into thinking we can’t do it – WE CAN!
We’ve got several road shows going on now and I’ve made arrangements with AAFES for us to hold ten more through year end.
I estimate these to bring in around $60,000 in added sales!
Remember… THE BONUS SCHEME!! It’s within arms reach and I know we can achieve it this year.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
So, how did we look at close of business? Week 27:
RM
AAFES – 91% AGAINST TARGET & 99% LAST YEAR
MCX – 106% AGAINST TARGET & 103% LAST YEAR
MM
AAFES – 107% AGAINST TARGET 124% LAST YEAR
MCX – 80% AGAINST TARGET 84% LAST YEAR
CUMULATIVE YTD
96% AGAINST YEARLY TARGET and 105% AGAINST LAST YEAR
FASHION SHOW AT KNOX
Fort Knox held a fashion show last month and they featured our product! As you know we only have a Road-Show there but the main store are extremely interested in us opening a full time branch.
In fact, the road-show has been on-going since last December!
Thanks to Dave Nicholls who has been helping with the department in there.
FROM GQ TO SUIT OF THE MONTH
An idea that I have passed around that seems to be having some success lately, is to purchase a copy of GQ magazine and keep it out on your MM desk. I’ve not met a soldier that doesn’t know GQ magazine and it helps to show the styles and competitors prices.
Taking it a step further – Zaronda at Fort Myer and Shannon at Quantico are making up displays that copy the style in the magazine!
They choose a suit / jacket that matches the style and color in the magazine then dress it with the same color shirt and tie. Once the display is done, they make sure the magazine is on display with our mannequin!
Here’s a recent display from Zaronda that received praise from store management – and myself of course!
HEALTH INSURANCE
As some of you are aware, we’ve had a slight “hic-cup” with the transition from Principle to United Healthcare and whilst our cover didn’t stop, the ID cards etc have been delayed.
I am told this will be handled this week and our cards should be out ASAP. If you have any issues at the doctors / pharmacist then please contact me immediately.
We are still completing paperwork to look at the other possible plan opportunity with “Anthem”
When the insurance underwriters have given us an idea of price we shall be in contact again with you to update.
MADE TO MEASURE PASSWORD
The next made to measure password will change the last digit to an “8” making it ssF3s8.
If you’ve forgotten to do this and entered your own password then let myself or Tracey know so we can change it for you.
This is for MADE TO MEASURE only.
HEAD OFFICE VISIT
We will be visiting West coast branches with me next month. Hopefully we won’t encounter any tornadoes this time around!
Peter Lucas and Ben will also be making an appearance towards the end of September too. If you’ve got any questions that you would normally get to ask at the conference, now is the time to get them together.
A schedule will be forwarded once we’ve finalized it.
COMMISSION – BUCKINGHAM MILLS
* * * BUCKINGHAM MILLS FABRICS * * *
...EARN $54.56 FOR EVERY SUIT SOLD...
For the remainder of the Free Legs promotion, we will be giving you an extra incentive on all made to measure orders taken from our Buckingham Mills cloths.
All orders taken between 4th August and 10th September will attract a commission rate of 6.34% which means that you will earn up to $54.56 for every suit sold in the Free Legs promotion on Buckingham Mills fabrics.
Last year during the same time period we sold 221 suits - if you order the same quantities this year that means that the share of commission to be earned on our division is a massive $11,050 .
This is a great chance for you to earn extra bucks and a great way for you to save either for your Summer Holidays if you haven’t already had them or for Thanksgiving / Christmas which is the next big event on our calendar.
Remember – commission is paid on cash so the higher deposit you take, the sooner you will be paid this cash bonus.
The commission rate will revert to the standard 4% on 11th September 2011.
As you read today, the first week of this incentive goes (completely!) to: Jeff Boardman at Fort Sam Houston.
Three orders brought him $163.58
That’s a great chunk of change – or as Dave Nicholls would say “A Few Scheckles!”
SECURITY TAGS
We’ve had a couple of instances where items have been sent out as transfers and the security devices haven’t been removed.
Remember to remove them please… not all stores have the same devices and they’re hard to remove!
VENDOR OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Adelle from Fort Bragg for winning the Vendor Of The Month award from the exchange. She get’s an award and her photo taken and placed on the VOM wall within the store.
Well-done Adelle – That’s great PR work on your part… Keep it up!
