Marilyn

"I just get a thrill out of helping people and I think working here is a good fit. When I reflect on it, I don't think I could put in as much energy as I do if I didn't enjoy my job so much. It would be a chore. I have always thought of my job as fun."

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

I feel that my biggest contribution is my positive attitude. I represent the store in a positive way. I am enthusiastic, I believe in our product and I am a well-informed sales person who is willing to help. I think that type of attitude furthers the Macy's name as being known as a store where customers can get help.

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

I like to help people. I am a trained registered nurse so I have always been in the business of helping people. I was a stay at home mom for 23 years then answered an ad for seasonal help and I have been here for 15 years. I have always enjoyed seeing a customer's satisfaction when making a purchase, whether it was because they needed it or it was just on a whim. I like helping customers satisfy their needs.

I have known the Lazarus name all my life, even though I didn't live near any Lazarus stores. When I moved from Ohio to Indiana and started working here, I just connected with it and I think that makes a difference. If you feel support, believe in who you're working for, what you're working for - I think it makes your job so much easier. I just get a thrill out of helping people and I think working here is a good fit. When I reflect on it, I don't think I could put in as much energy as I do if I didn't enjoy my job so much. It would be a chore. I have always thought of my job as fun. I wasn't shooting for any big goals, it all just worked out. I am successful because I really like what I do. I am thrilled that Macy's, Inc. has chosen to honor me.

What abilities or personal attributes make you a great salesperson?

I am friendly, I enjoy talking and interacting with people, and I get excited about our products. I am proud to represent a company and the products that I believe in.

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

I get to know the customers a little bit. I like the feeling that I know something about them personally - what they are looking for, what their lifestyles are. I enjoy them first as a person and then, when you sell something to them, it's a secondary benefit. The customers seem to enjoy coming to visit, knowing there is someone here that has known them for a while.

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 always try to do a little more for the customers, like offering them a shopping bag when their arms are loaded with other things. We try to make their life a little easier and show that we are interested in them as a person, not just see them as a potential sale.

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

I like to be aware of the new merchandise on my floor and stay informed of what can be done with the new colors and products coming in. I often have people who come to me and ask me what is coming in next. With my line, I know what the popular colors will be a couple of months ahead of time and I like to share that with the customers. I have found that people will come back to me because of this - maybe I can tell them what's coming to the store, what the future brings, should they buy a certain product now, or if the colors will stay the same. My trade secret is to be knowledgeable and stay on top of things. Then I thank them for coming, tell them I enjoyed their sale and ask them to come back and see us.

What is your most memorable sale?

There is one sale that touches me the most. About five years ago a customer came in and said she needed some clothes. She was probably my age and said she had just finished chemotherapy. This was the first time she had felt well enough to go out. We worked with her and found her a few outfits. When we were finished she gave me a hug and thanked me for spending so much time with her. Then she said "Now I feel like living again." It was so powerful! It still gives me chills when I think about it. It is an amazing feeling to know that just by spending time with her and giving her some personal attention, I could make another person want to go on. It is something that simple. I didn't do anything remarkable, I just helped her.