Tag

chico’s

Feb 18
Love0

Is Your Company on Facebook and Twitter? Really?

By Social Media

Chicos tweetLast week, I blogged about my frustration with Chico’s and a customer service issue that I thought offered them the opportunity to change the conversation.

I was pleased that a customer service manager went out of her way to call me and e-mail me to follow up. She even offered to locate the out-of-stock dress for me, which was very good customer service.

HOWEVER, the manager only knew about my issue because of the online chat I’d had with a customer service rep who forwarded it on to “the appropriate department.” Even though I’d tweeted and blogged, tagging the post with Chico’s-related keywords, it was NOT picked up via social media. At all.

This is a cautionary tale to companies who are “on” Facebook and Twitter. Just being there doesn’t count. If you set up these accounts you need to use them – to be responsive and listening to customers. Interaction is critical. If you’re not going to do that, there’s no point in being there at all.

Feb 10
Love0

Will Chico’s Change the Conversation? A Retail Challenge.

By Social Media

I was tempted by this e-mail, offering 25 percent off a dress I’d really like to own.

chicos travelers dressI’m traveling a lot for work these days and a packable, flattering dress that goes with everything would really help extend my work wardrobe.

So I clicked through to the Web site, intending to place an order.

travelers dress 2D’oh!

Is this bait and switch?

Here are some of the issues I have with this:

travelers dress 3

If Chico’s was really listening, they would have anticipated – truly- the demand for this dress and stocked up appropriately. Further, once the item sold out, they should have stopped their e-mail campaign to promote the offer immediately. Failing that, they should have followed up with an email to everyone they promoted it to, providing an update on this high-demand product.

I took them up on the option to chat with a “Personal Service Associate.”

Chicos chatI can appreciate that the promotional e-mail and the sale extended to the entire line, but the DRESS – the DRESS is what people want, and Chico’s knew that (or so their own content claims, since they said they “listened.”) (And, incidentally, I’m not going to go chasing this dress down in stores – if I can’t get it online, I don’t want it.)

I see this as an opportunity for Chico’s to change the conversation. They are on Facebook and Twitter, presumably to serve customers better. They have the chance to make this right for customers and come out looking like a hero.

Wonder what will happen?