Miracle Makeover

Have you ever wandered into a store or restaurant and thought, "If I were in charge here, I would do this differently." For better or worse, I've had this thought often. And it happened again recently. This time with Kmart.

Here's a large chain discounter that needs help. A current ad campaign for back to school has kids trading insults. Bad move … since parents are the ones spending the money and don't need more insults from those often braggadocious children.

But the larger problem is a store that needs a makeover. A miracle makeover. Earlier this year, an MSN Money blogger (*) shared this review:

"Kmart is stuck in a rut … In the first nine months of its current fiscal year, the chain posted a $98 million operating loss and saw sales slide 5.5%.” 

He adds …“The Kmart stores that I've been to are remarkably similar. They're dirty. The shelves are cluttered, yet the customers are gone. Employees are nowhere to be found." He recommends they close. Wow.

So if I were in charge, I'd redesign a concept store between club membership stores like SAM’s and Costco. Anyone could shop at these stores, but members would instantly save 5 to 7% on purchases. And no membership fee. Simply agree to give us instant feedback as you shop on several items you try. 

I'd change the look of stores to create more of a stepped up warehouse store experience. House brands would have super deals. Use self-checkouts, unlike the fee based warehouse stores. Finally, I'd change the name ... to K-Club. And fix that advertising.  

The most successful businesses are in renovation mindset mode all the time. We call it “new and improved.”

I know. Everybody has got a better idea. I’m sure Kmart management has tried.

You know ... I’ve witnessed miracle makeovers. They are in human form. Here's what happened. Millions upon millions have become new creatures ... in Christ. The Bible tells us that when we experience spiritual renewal, the old has passed away. The new has arrived.  

Christian recording artist Brandon Heath experienced this and reflected on a past relationship that had become painful. His message ...

I wish you could see me now,

I wish I could show you how,

I'm not who I was ...

Friend, if you're tired of living like your past, go for the miracle makeover. No membership fees. Lifetime guarantee. Unlimited opportunities. The whole package is explained in writing. Let me know if you need a copy.

That's the way WE work.

For Moody Radio, I'm Mark Elfstrand

* http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=2f83065d-d47d-4135-b281-f0b607e1a306