The actual circumstances may be different than what social media and the press picked up on (Whole Foods says the employees were behaving disrespectfully and rudely while dealing with the management feedback on the matter), however, the outrage is prompting a national ban to not shop at the store by Latin groups.

This event prompts for me a much bigger issue about what language should be primarily used in any business environment that caters to multi-language speaking consumers. I believe fluent English should be required of all retail store personnel in any store that clearly does not cater only to customers who speak a language other than English.

In the case of Whole Foods, all staffers who deal with consumers in anyway should be able to converse in English and if the customer requests another language be used the staffer can if able use the other requested language while on the clock. I do object to the fact that for example, in my Publix supermarket in Miami that caters to English and Spanish speaking customers, many times I cannot find anyone who can speak English well enough to serve my needs. And, to counter-act Publix slogan "Where shopping is a pleasure", it is many times not a pleasure. This is still an English speaking country and sometimes I think certain elements of society forget that.

I reviewed Whole Foods policy as outlined by their managment in several news articles and find it sound. I believe social media and certain Latin groups took advantage of the situation and are not being totally fair about how they are reacting. I do not have a problem with staffers talking to themselves in whatever language they are comfortable with AS LONG AS they are immediately able to address English speaking consumers without any difficulty.

In the case of my local Publix, I have filed a complaint with corporate management but have yet to hear back from them.

What do you think? Let me know.

Watching out for you everyday.

Eli

This is not the first time Parker has ventured into the apparel business. Her earlier ventures failed miserably. Her line called Bitten was a low priced fashion brand sold at the now defunct Steve and Barry's collegiete retail chain.

In a blog post written when Bitten first launched I correctly predicted it would die fast. Parker is far better known for the Bradshaw image, a struggling reporter in love with luxury apparel brands on which she would drop months of income to purchase. The Bitten line was based on Parker's real life fashion interests which meant little or nothing to consumers. This was a case of a celebrity and her backers not understanding the brand image that fans most identified with...her character not her real self.

Parker was also miscast as a spokesperson for the Gap for a very short time some years back. Again consumers couldn't see the connection between the Gap and Carrie Bradshaw.

Now, with help from one of the leading luxury shoe and accessories brands, SJP, as the brand will be called, will be launched exclusively at Nordstroms. This time I believe Parker will be far more successful. Her SJP brand will not only sell shoes but also handbags and other accessories, all in the luxury category.

Watching out for you eveyday.

Eli

I was quoted on Bloomberg News yesterday about this story: Bloomberg News

The retailer now offers a full refund guarantee on all of its produce. Produce (no pun intended) a receipt to the customer service desk (lines there can be long, however) without too many questions asked, and you Mrs. consumer get your money back.

To ensure that Walmart shoppers understand that lower prices on produce (vs. other retailers) does not mean lower quality, this refund policy is a smart marketing tool. The only issue is in-store implementation. Walmart's are huge stores with long lines. Since one cannot get the refund at the check out but rather at the customer service desk, this may reduce the number of consumers who actually seek the refund.

Abuse of the offer is also a possibility. Walmart's money challenged customers may find this a temptation worth pursuing to get food for free since returning the produce is not a requirement to get the refund.

I think Walmart believes the overall costs of the refund policy will be outweighed by the strong impression that Walmart sells produce as good as any other food retailer, just for a lower price which may entice customers who do not buy perishables at Walmart to give it a try.

Watching out for you everyday.

Eli

However, it is not a surprise that such progressive advertising in which General Mills takes a stand of inclusiveness and tolerance is causing a stir of strongly worded hateful postings online. Unfortunately, many Americans mostly over 40 still see this kind of crossing-over family mix as a problem--to some still unacceptable. The ability to use the iternet to anonymously express oneself fosters the expression of such negative hateful opinions.

General Mills has decided to remove the hateful comments on YouTube as well as to disable the comment section altogether instead of dropping the campaign which they believe is reflective of today's society.

I applaud General Mills for this action and wish more companies would follow their lead.

Watching out for you everyday.

Eli