FreeThink: a blog published by Maxwell PR
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Size Matters

I don't know about you but I won't set foot in a Wal-Mart. Of course, I have my sociopolitical reasons, but it's also the sheer size of the place. What if I just need milk and diapers? I get lost. I hate the Generica, impersonal feel. The fluorescent lights, bad decor. "Always Less Money" for me means just plain "Always Less."

I have just the opposite experience in our local New Seasons. I LOVE this store. It is a community. The people are friendly, open and knowledgeable. I see my neighbors. The store is fully transparent, sourcing their food. They've got a wonderful variety of products - from local to global, organic to mainstream - for such a small chain. And the service! I once forgot my wallet. The checker let me take my groceries home! He knew I was good for the check and would turn around and come back with it.

So how can New Seasons provide that community, that little something extra, that one of the oldest retailers in our country can't? How can a small company, based in Portland with only local distribution, be so worldly, with services and offerings far better than the bigger chains?

For me, it's in the commitment and values. The core beliefs of one company over the other. It's the people, their passion and the experience they eagerly bring because it's a great place to work, not because it's the biggest. It's management giving people autonomy to make smart decisions because they trust their judgment. It's about having fun at work, because we all spend far too much time there.

Yes, small can be beautiful. It can also be local, but act global. It can change your point of view. It can build community. Sometimes it can even be more affordable. Often, it's far more effective. We know. We've got experience.

- Jen Maxwell-Muir

posted on October 12, 2006


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  This spirited, open forum by Maxwell PR staff members, studio mates and colleagues features people who are, in our opinion, doing the right things to get people talking. You'll see us rave about organizations building communities and rant about those who are missing obvious opportunities. We sprinkle in a little marketing and PR rhetoric from time to time for extra vigor and enthusiasm, and will share observations and insight based on our own experience honing our craft every day.  
 

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