I would love to have some sort of Visual Appeal Specialist position. Sort of like a VML, but different. Like I would work closely with the PMT and Global and the TLs of each department.
Essentially my role would be to make sure the store is in tip top shape. Like in cleanliness, organization, and aesthetics. I would make sure the food areas (Starbucks, food ave) were impeccably clean and that the front of the store is vacuumed and well stocked on cart wipes. I'd also see to it that the carts get washed and sanitized every six months or so. So I would take the maintaining roles of the cart attendants, and they could do more immediate tasks I couldn't take care of, such as spills. That way they can focus solely on carts and carry-outs. With that extra time, I would make sure they pulled trash out of the carts as they collect them. I never ever want a guest to grab a cart only to find a half eaten pizza and a rancid coffee smooshed in there.
I'd make sure end caps and perimeters were all well zoned and full and display products in a way to push sales. I would push samples of Target brand food items, or new products in general. Maybe do demos of Keurigs. Good opportunity to push the appliance as well as the K-Cups. Plus, I have a theory that the smell of freshly brewed coffee is comforting, and thus pushes people to spend more money. I'd really like to push samples in general because I think the interaction with guests makes a difference. I've seen it work wonders in the Beauty section with the Beauty Concierge. I want that dynamic throughout the store. Not too much, because at the same time it can be obnoxious, and ironically, I'm the kind of shopper that just wants to be left alone. But I still see some benefit to the demo concept.
I would also dust and clean things along the way. I would love to take the push broom through out the store every few hours. At least at the front end. I'd also make sure abandoned items are picked up as I walk the store. I hate that a pile of shirts will just sit in the toothpaste aisle, all day long.
I'd also want to bring a more "Local/Fresh" vibe to the market section. I'd want us to provide samples of whatever fruit looked good that day. Maybe have a chalkboard like Starbucks has showing our recommendation for the week. Maybe have a spot somewhere showing recipes for people to try, all with ingredients that could be bought in store. They could be recipes provided by myself, or anyone in the market team, or really any TM whom feels they have a recipe that would push sales.
I'd also want softlines to have full control over their mannequins. Style and accessorize!
