For years, big box home improvement stores catered to the weekend do-it-yourselfers, supplying everything their patio-building dreams might require, including experts strolling the aisles offering assistance.
But the professional customers such as builders and contractors? While they only made up 3 percent of the customers, they spent more and they wanted just one thing — to get in, get their things and get out quickly.
According to an article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, they’re finally going to get their wish.
One Atlanta-based chain is giving professionals the VIP treatment with special parking spots and help loading purchases into their vehicles so they don’t need to spend extra cash bringing workers from a job site.
“Pros want us to be a convenience store,” said J.T. Rieves, the store’s vice president for Pro. “This time, we took what the pros want. Everything is about getting you in and out fast.”
Why all the effort? Professionals make up 30 percent of the store’s business, the article said. Typical shoppers go to the retailer four times a year while pros visit five times a month.
Benefits such as specialized parking for professionals is a brilliant idea. It gives the store a huge advantage.
Source: AJC, October 2011
