Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're diving deep into something
I think we can all relate to,
the wonderful world of jeans.
Oh, jeans, yeah.
It's a love-hate relationship sometimes, isn't it?
It really is.
We're gonna be digging into an article called Denim Decoded,
and it got me thinking about,
I remember when jeans shopping meant just like,
boot cut or straight leg.
Right.
And now, you walk into a store and it's like,
washes, styles, colors, rises.
It's a lot.
It is a lot.
You know, the article talks about how overwhelming
the modern denim department can be,
and how that actually affects shoppers.
Okay, yeah.
I mean, I've definitely had those moments where I'm like,
I just want jeans.
Why is it so hard?
And they say that's a real thing.
It's choice overload, apparently.
Is that what they call it?
Yeah, I guess so.
Too many choices,
and suddenly you can't make any decision.
Right, like you want that freedom of choice,
but then you get in there and you're like,
ah, I don't know what to do.
That's it.
And then you end up leaving with nothing,
or something you don't even like that much.
And then feeling like you wasted an hour of your life,
probably.
Exactly, and that's kind of where the article
brings up this idea of a well-trained sales associate,
or as they put it, a denim guru.
Okay, a denim guru.
So like someone who can come in
and kind of rescue you from the abyss of denim choices.
Pretty much.
I mean, it's more like they guide you through it.
The article talks about a customer named Sarah,
who is totally overwhelmed.
Right.
Relatable.
But then she meets the sales associate,
and instead of just saying, hey, what size are you?
They actually ask her about her style,
what she's looking for, what's the occasion,
that kind of thing.
Okay, so it sounds like it's less about just like,
here are the jeans, what size do you need,
and more of a conversation.
Exactly, it's more about actually listening to the customer
and helping them figure out what they need.
Yeah.
And I remember the article even had
a little sample dialogue between this shopper Sarah
and the sales associate.
Yeah, yeah, they did.
And you could tell the associate really knew their stuff,
like they were explaining like selvedge denim
and all these things that I feel like as shoppers,
we hear, but we don't really know what they mean.
And that's huge, right?
I mean, if they can break it down for you
and you actually understand what you're buying.
Right, because then you feel more confident
in your choice, right?
Exactly, and the article makes a good point
about how that expertise builds trust with the customer.
Which makes total sense.
Like, if you feel like someone's just trying
to sell you something versus someone who actually seems
like they know what they're talking about.
And that's what makes the difference
between a good shopping experience
and one that leaves you feeling frustrated.
Totally.
So, okay, this idea of having really well-trained associates,
it seems like a no-brainer from a customer standpoint,
but what about the retailers?
Does it actually translate to better sales?
Oh, for sure.
I mean, the article really stresses that point.
Like, what's the connection there?
Well, if someone feels good about what they bought,
they're obviously less likely to return it.
Right.
Makes sense.
It's a whole repeat customer thing.
You know, like, if you had a good experience,
you're more likely to come back to that store, right?
Or even recommend it to your friends.
It's like word of mouth advertising, the best kind.
Right, because if you trust a store,
you're gonna trust them for all sorts of things,
not just like one pair of jeans, right?
Exactly.
And the article talks about this thing called
in-between customer training, like how important that is.
In-between customer, that sounds interesting.
What is that exactly?
Yeah, so it's basically like,
you know how retail can get really busy, right?
That's right, yeah.
It's these kind of like quick training modules
that associates can do on their phone or a tablet
whenever they have a free minute, like between customers.
And the article mentioned this platform called Insight.
Have you heard of that?
Insight, no, but it sounds kind of intense, like exciting.
I think it's getting pretty popular,
but it makes sense though,
because you have to keep up with all the new trends
and stuff, right?
Yeah, especially with denim.
It feels like things are constantly changing.
Totally.
So it's like this Insight thing lets them just boom,
get that info really fast.
So if I walk into a store,
like how do I know if they've got these Insight denim guru
people?
Well, you know, you can't always tell right away,
but I think the biggest thing is don't be afraid
to ask for help.
Okay, yeah.
I mean, that's what those associates are there for, right?
Like if you're feeling lost in a sea of denim,
a good associate should be able to kind of guide you, you know?
Yeah, instead of just like pointing vaguely
at a wall of jeans and being like,
they're over there.
Exactly.
And you know, a good sign is if they actually ask you
questions about your style, what you're looking for.
Like we were talking about before.
Right, like having that actual conversation,
like they're invested in helping you find something
that works.
Right, totally.
And honestly, I think it's worth maybe even seeking out
stores that, you know, prioritize training their staff.
Okay, yeah, that makes sense.
Like it shows they care about customer service, right?
And then you might be more likely to have
that good experience overall.
And that's true for so many things, not just jeans, right?
Like I always think about electronics.
Oh, yeah.
Going to buy like a TV or something
and you're just bombarded with specs and features.
Totally.
Or even something as simple as a new mattress.
There's so much jargon and technology involved now.
Exactly, like how are you supposed to know
what all that stuff means?
That's when you need a knowledgeable salesperson
to walk you through it.
It's so true.
So I guess it all comes down to like,
don't be afraid to ask for help
and maybe do a little research beforehand on stores
that, you know, are known for good customer service.
Absolutely.
I mean, at the end of the day,
we all just want a good shopping experience, right?
Right, where you don't leave feeling like you need a nap
and a therapy session.
Exactly.
Awesome.
Well, I think we've definitely decoded
some denim dilemmas today.
I think so.
And hopefully our listeners will feel a little more empowered
next time they head out to buy some new jeans.