Customer service back in fashion

Customer service has taken on a whole new meaning since the economic downturn has swept across the retail world. Where once snooty shop assistants and neglectful store staff were unimpressed by your potential to buy unless you looked the part of a Russian Oligarch (pre crunch time) these days you are practically bowled over by kindness and the renewed credo 'Customer is King.'

Even if you are perusing the Bond Street boutiques in your favourite just-out-of-bed, can't-be-arsed-to-dress-up outfit, you will be greeted by the grandest of smiles and ready to assist sales associates to cater to your every whim. Retailers have finally woken up to the idea that to get inside those tightly-zipped wallets, they need to show shoppers some love.

Growing competition from online boutiques, mail order companies and mobile phone services has also contributed to the new focus for stores on customer services, reports Luxx Magazine. In these challenging times, only those who are the best at this game are likely to survive. Big spending may seem ostentatious to many, but it is still happening, albeit in a more discreet manner. From luxury trunk shows taking place for select customers in top boutiques, to department stores hosting vip dinners for the their high-spending clients, customer service is making shopping a whole new experience. At Ralph Lauren, for example, customer service isn't just about the smile to welcome a shopper through its doors. It's about complementary delivery, alterations, after-hours shopping and even sales associates visiting a customer at a hotel or at their home. Lest not forget that you can have your alligator Ricky bag customised in a plethora of designs and colours to suit your pesonal style. Of course, only if you have the budget to match.

Source: Luxx Magazine