ACRA Mystery Shopping - This Holiday Season Customer Service is King

Retailers strengthen customer service to increase sales in a competitive economy.

(PRWEB) November 26, 2004 -- Customer satisfaction is playing a big part in retailers sales formulas this holiday season. This year a record number of retailers are hiring secret shop firms to guarantee that all is being done to make their customers happier and in the end spend more.

Clay Carlos, President of ACRA states, retailers are fighting for dollars and it is of the utmost importance to guarantee that customers are treated to the standards determined by each retailer". As retail sales hover equal to or below last years numbers, more emphasis will be placed on customer service this coming holiday season", said Carlos.

Todd Land, President of Landsedge Marketing and Consulting of Cape May, NJ, indicated, add on sales will be critical this year." Retailers are now in the mindset to capitalize on the customers they have and if they can get you to spend an extra five dollars on an item near the register, they will do so. Employees are trained to remind you of all those add ons right at your fingertips. Those sales can run into the millions of dollars every year and can make the difference between a profit or loss each year.

Most retailers make the majority of their profits beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas, said Land. This year you will see more companies also promoting their own gift certificate sales, which are becoming the biggest trend in the gift giving business. Many of our major retail accounts are asking us to monitor sales representatives reminding shoppers about their stores gift certificates". This is a trend that we have seen grow in the past year and has been instituted with a majority of our clients" said Carlos.

Acra Inc., of Mantua, New Jersey has been servicing the retail community for 10 years in the secret shop industry this November 2004. ACRA shops national chains and mom and pop" retailers throughout the United States. Clients include, HERTZ Car Rental, The Mills Corporation, Discover Financial Services, Sterling Optical, Harley Davidson, and over 300 clients that utilize their service to guarantee the highest sales productivity.

Landsedge Marketing of Cape May, New Jersey performs marketing consulting with retailers and manufacturers on a variety of marketing issues including customer service, branding, market research and sales programs.

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