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Outsourced Services - v2
OfficeMax enlists sales help of RadioShack in new pilot
November 16, 2011
NAPERVILLE, Ill. ? OfficeMax has announced that it has entered into an agreement with RadioShack whereby RadioShack employees will offer mobile products and services, including prepaid and postpaid wireless products, accessories and service plans, as well as assist in selling OfficeMax consumer electronics products and services, in approximately 15 to 20 OfficeMax stores in the San Francisco market. The pilot program will begin in January 2012.
"We are evaluating a range of strategic retail partnership arrangements that will improve store productivity and make our stores a highly attractive destination to our customers," said Ravi Saligram , president and CEO. "We are excited to bring in RadioShack's expertise in providing wireless solutions and consultative sales expertise which will complement our enhanced technology offering in our upcoming pilot."
So - OM saves expenses in payroll, benefits and training and in return adds incremental expense in outside services? But, more importantly will store level cultures clash? Will supervision be challenged? Will customer service be compromised? We've been in this EXACT situation and we can tell you that ALL of these and more will be issues. This is not seamless.......
Seems Like There Should Be More....
Lowe's scales back store plans
MOORESVILLE, N.C. ? Lowe's Monday announced that it would close several stores and discontinue a number of planned new store projects as the company looks to bounce back from a second quarter of declining earnings and flat same-store sales.
The company closed 10 locations on Oct. 16 and said it would close another 10 within the month, following an inventory sell-through.
In addition, after completing a comprehensive review of its pipeline of proposed new stores, the company announced it has discontinued a number of planned new store projects. Lowe?s said it now expects to open 10 to 15 stores per year in North America from 2012 forward, compared with a prior assumption of approximately 30 stores per year. The company said it is on track to open approximately 25 stores in 2011, as planned.
?Closing stores is never easy, given the impact on hard-working employees and local communities,? said Robert Niblock, chairman, president and CEO. ?However, we have an obligation to make tough decisions when necessary to improve profitability and strengthen our financial position.
?Lowe?s remains committed to making strategic investments and focusing resources in a manner that will generate the greatest shareholder value, enhance the customer shopping experience and create sustained customer loyalty over the long term,? added Niblock.
Lowe's said that approximately 1,950 employees will be affected by these closings. The company said it will be working with local government agencies to help employees with outplacement assistance.
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