Edith

"In my department, it is especially important to have a good relationship with the customer. I try and build these relationships by calling my customers often. I record their names and phone numbers and take note of what they were interested in, especially when I don't have an item that they are looking for."

Describe the contribution you make to your store and to Macy's Florida.

I am a hard worker and I participate in Macy's Florida's Partners in Time - a program that helps the community. I help with the back-to-school supplies projects and the cancer walk. By participating in the Partners in Time projects, I have become a better person in the community and a better employee. It has made me aware of what needs to be done in the community and I get to work in different surroundings with my associates.

You were recently recognized for your exceptional sales performance. Why do you enjoy selling and what makes it particularly rewarding on a daily basis?

Our customers can be very diverse. Being in Florida, we enjoy the visitors that come to our state. Each day is very different and has a different atmosphere. I enjoy that. Before I began working here I did office work for 20 years. It was more or less the same paperwork day-in and day-out. Here we have different employees on the selling floor each day and the different customers bring different challenges.

What abilities or personal attributes make you a great salesperson?

I enjoy having knowledge about the product and I try to have a friendly attitude. I think that helps you to become a better sales person and a sales associate. The department has special training programs for us because our area is a little more technical. You have to help the customer find the right fit and garment. We have seminars that are put on by the buying office and the manufacturer reps come in and let us know about new products that are coming out.

What do you do to build relationships with customers and why is this important to you?

In my department, it is especially important to have a good relationship with the customer. I try and build these relationships by calling my customers often. I record their names and phone numbers and take note of what they were interested in, especially when I don't have an item that they are looking for. It helps me build a relationship for future sales. I have client and call-back books. They both help me to build better relationships with the customers each time I talk to them.

Providing consistent customer service is an ongoing challenge. How does your personal contribution and passion for the customer make your store the best it can be every day?

I try to assist and accommodate the customers so they have the best shopping experience. Our store strives to have a "Yes, I Can" attitude. That's one of our mottos here. I personally try and do whatever I can for a customer instead of immediately calling a manager for assistance. I try and see what I can do for the customer instead of getting another party involved, even when it is a challenge.

What are your trade secrets? Are there any "techniques" you use to help initiate and/or close a sale?

My only trade secret is to just be friendly. I think one of the most important things is to listen to what the customer says they are looking for. I start out the sale by saying hello and letting the customer know I am there to assist them. If they just like to look around, I come back and check on them later. Once they do ask for assistance in the sale, then I try to suggest things they might need to go along with what they are already purchasing.

What is your most memorable sale?

I have actually had two very memorable sales. One time I had to help a bride pick out her lingerie. The challenging part was she was getting ready to catch a plane to the islands for the wedding. She only had 15 minutes! She was in an extreme rush and it was very challenging. The second one was when I was referred by another customer to help select both outer clothes as well as undergarments for a customer who was undergoing plastic surgery. The doctor wanted the person to get used to the new clothes and fit before the surgery. It was very challenging, but I tried to assist them in whatever way I could by finding the best garments and fit for that customer's specific needs.