From the glitz and glam of fashion shows, to the mad dashes of shoppers early on the morning after Thanksgiving, to the arrival of the Internet, I’ve seen much during my career. Along with seeing names such as Amazon appear, I’ve seen names such as Rich’s and Marshall Field disappear.

As I’ve watched retail through the years, some things have become apparent. They are not only key to success in retail — They are key to success in every business … and in every life. First, stay true to yourself and have confidence in who you are. Second, the winds may blow but you should never bend to their every whim. Third, remember where you came from and who and what brought you to where you are.

Among my work in retail was a part-time job as a sales associate for JC Penney. I came to admire the company as well as the local management team and appreciated their consistent quality of merchandise and wonderful customer service. After leaving the job I continued to shop at the store for a while … then began to see the changes. Yes, some were due to the economy but I sensed — and could see — something deeper. It was not just at that particular store but other locations as well. A lapse in merchandise selection. And more importantly, a lapse in caring, concern and service. From locked dressing rooms to cluttered racks to unmanned registers to confusing floor layouts to aging interiors. It was clear they didn’t care anymore.

After giving JC Penney every benefit of the doubt — and every opportunity to keep my business — I walked away.

After the holiday season in late 2011, they chose to re-emerge as a strangely rebranded “JCP”. No more coupons. No more “inflated pricing”. A new model. And, at least by today’s Wall Street reports, it’s a model that’s fallen as flat as the JCP brand. A $163 million net loss in the last quarter and the talk of more stores being shuttered.

There is the argument that coupons are the “bait” to attract consistent traffic that results in additional purchases. But I tend to disagree. I’ve come to think of them as a “one time thing” for the retailer — or that particular brand of pizza in the grocery store freezer. That is, unless you win me over with a tasty high-quality product, and in the case of a retailer, “tasty” high-quality service. I appreciate a valuable coupon as much as the next person. But I no longer would see “value” — in its truest sense — in a JCP coupon. They lost the deepest, most important “value” to me a long time ago.

Yes, they are JCP. And if they go away, yes I’ll be sad and I’ll be concerned for lost jobs and the loss of any remaining economic impact they have in the communities they serve.

But I won’t miss JCP. Because JCP is not JC Penney. They have lost James Cash Penney’s vision. As it stands now the chain should hide behind initials — and not carry his name until they regain it.

It will be wonderful if they can do so. And become a true quality and service-minded retailer once again. It’s happened before.

Once again, here I go giving them the benefit of the doubt!

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Original artwork by Juan Carlos Ferrigno

Formula 1’s Most Magnificent Machine

It is an honor to contribute to MarshallGP’s salute to Ayrton Senna and “Senna Week” on their blog. As I write this, the foundation that Ayrton established in his native Brazil, Instituto Ayrton Senna, is marking the twentieth anniversary of his third – and sadly – final Formula 1 Driver’s Championship today, October 20.

Wow. Where does time go? Twenty years.

And as I write this, we motorsport fans are still coming around from and trying to comprehend the tragic weekend that just went by, where we lost yet another young talent in Dan Wheldon. I sit here with my original ideas for this post clouded by that reality. What do you say?

Then I think, wait. Go back. Capture that moment in time. What you wanted to originally write about. Oh yes, the car ………

I take you to early spring 1988. Reluctant teammates, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, arms around each other, smiles for the camera. Upstart Senna had been warned, rather frankly, that Prost was first driver and he should not upset the status quo.

Yeah, right. That and putting the Honda V6 turbo-powered McLaren through its final paces before its debut in Brazil that April. The battle between the two began, Ayrton on pole only to be disqualified, Ayrton on pole but Alain wins. Ayrton. Then Alain. Back and forth, back and forth.

One of Formula 1’s most epic seasons played out by two amazing guys, each at the wheel of their edition of one amazing car:

The McLaren 4/4.

Originally this post was going to celebrate the car. But instead I choose to celebrate the men and their storied relationship that, in the end, became a close friendship. In the midst of Senna Week, I salute Alain Prost along with Ayrton Senna.

For those of you who may not know, Ayrton and Alain made amends in the last days and weeks of Ayrton’s life. Alain was a pallbearer at Ayrton’s funeral. And Alain is a trustee of Instituto Ayrton Senna.

Together they drove their McLaren 4/4s into Formula 1 history.

When you think about it, the 4/4 was indeed one magnificent machine.

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“Ugh!”, most of us say. But apparently it’s acceptable among the younger set.

Oh wow, I just called them that. On purpose. *smile*

This caused me to consider something. Are those active in social media sharing a bit too much these days? Losing connection with real life? With friends and family? Relaxation and double-dipping in a salsa bowl with close buds is one thing … but what about posting status updates and immediate responses to life events in social media? Without thinking twice? What about our blogs? Are we too quick and too free with what we are sharing, posting … venting … on Facebook or Twitter? Is it time to re-think our thinking?

Is it time to dial back? And stop that comfortable double-dipping? Online and in real life?

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An earlier chat on Twitter caused me to think back to how my Mom dressed to fly away to conferences. In suit and gloves to board an airplane. Imagine. Yes, that was during the “Mad Men” days that intrigue so many now. Retro. I’m inspired by who she was then. Writer … and, at the same time, my milk-and-cookies Mom.

The Twitter chat about “way back when” — and this afternoon’s phone convo with her — made me once again appreciate how awesome my Mom is.

Suit and gloves on a plane.

I’m most inspired by who Mom is now. And who she has always been.

And yes I brought our dog into the house. I’ll save that for another post.

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There’s nothing like that kind of spring. All the beauty of blossoms and new grass coupled with the misery of hay fever. As much as you want to go outside for a long walk, a run, or a picnic, you find yourself retreating indoors with windows closed and air conditioning going so that you can escape the misery of the pollen. Air pollution takes on a new meaning!

Each of us should take this experience and translate it to the “atmosphere” and “air” that surround us among our friends, family and business associates. A former sales manager and mentor insisted that we “protect the atmosphere of the office”. Social media only enhance the need for this.

Having a “crappy” day? Discouraged by a lost sale or an interview that went all-wrong? Angry at a friend? Frustrated that you can’t nail down the right copy or color for that new ad?

Stop and think.

WHO is your best resource and sounding board right now? Chances are is the person in the mirror. And also chances it may be a manager, trainer, or trusted friend. Take your problem, concern or frustration “up” to someone who can advise you. Don’t spread it “out” — like pollen — to perhaps frustrate, discourage and distract those around you. Don’t “infect” your office — and don’t “infect” social media. Think before you speak, tweet, text or post.

Do you want to vent the problem? Or do you want to solve it?

Be a breath of fresh air!

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