 |
Laacke and Joys, let there be light! |  |
 |
 | By Jeff Sherman   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Jeff Sherman |
| Published July 20, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. |
|
I drive past Laacke and Joys, 1433 N. Water St., nearly every day. Truth be told, I've never been to the company's Brookfield or Mequon stores. But, my loyalty to Downtown isn't the topic here. Well, maybe it is.
Here's the deal and a simple suggestion for this wonderful, 165-year old local company. Hold up. 165 years! Wow. First, hats off. In today's retail world of online shopping and big box retail Laacke and Joys survives and thrives with amazing service (more on this later), big brands (Columbia, North Face, Patagonia and more), great selection and industry knowledge that truly make them experts in the outdoor retail and adventure categories.
But, here's why I rarely stop at their huge Downtown location - it has no frickin' windows. I know, I know, I'm a dork. But, hear me out. Check out the above photos. Replacing those images with real windows that could showcase product and the inside of the store would not only draw customers in but also add to the street presence and curb side appeal. Sure it would cost a lot, but the rewards would be there. Easy for me to say, but design matters and great windows are still a draw for niche retail. Add them, I say, to the Downtown Laacke and Joys and business booms. Add them, and Downtown retail grows. Success begets success.
Last week, I did stop in at the location and even though there were no display windows calling me in, I found the experience to be great. The staff was friendly, prices more than reasonable and selection outstanding. I like this store, and I'm not even a big outdoor guy. I needed a life jacket for a toddler and staff knew the size, make and model that was the best. I bought one and a few other items too.
I did, just so you know, tell the clerk that if the place looked a little nicer on the outside and had real windows that I'd be back more often. I also told her that I thought it would help drive additional traffic since natural light and displays are a draw. She agreed and hopefully took my idea up the ladder. Consider this blog, though, an official addition to the Laacke and Joys suggestion box.
|
24 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by becktesch on Sept. 8, 2009 at 2:53 p.m. (report)
Horrible customer service, on several occasions. I personally will never shop at Laacke and Joys ever again. I have had at least 2 absolutely HORRIBLE customer service experiences at Laacke and Joys. When they're not giving me problems, they're ignoring me, or doing the bare minimum. The employees absolutely sulk behind the counter. They never greet me when I enter the store, and when I finally go up to them and say "Hi, can you tell me where to find _____?" instead of showing me where things are and helping me find what I need, they just point ad say "over there." Then they go back to gabbing with the other employees. Seriously people, if there are 4 of you sitting at the front counter chatting, at least one of you should probably try to help customers. This is BASIC RETAIL people! I used to go to L&J frequently, and gave them numerous chances, but was nearly always disappointed, ignored, treated badly, or downright angry when leaving their store. Angry in the case of my attempt to exchange an X-mas gift: a brand new pair of $300.00 North Face winter boots. I only needed a different size and it took at least 8 phone calls and a long angry talk with the manager to make what should have been a simple exchange to get the right size. I'm in favor of shopping local, but if you want my business you have to at least acknowledge my presence and ask if I need help. Sharing knowledge of gear and making suggestions and asking good questions would be even better! I'd hate to see a big box retailer succeed where the locals fail, but in this case I wouldn't be surprised or sorry.
| Rate this: |
Posted by sunshinedaydream on July 28, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. (report)
As an employee of Laacke & Joys , I appreciate you shopping us and for the great compliments. The appearance of our building downtown needs improvement. We know that. I think everyone here has a "wish-list" of things they would like to see happen... most obviously would be the windows on the front of the building. We're in the process of making minor adjustments to improve the appearance and we appreciate your input (check out the public art display by local artist Anushka Peck to launch soon). Unfortunately we do not own the building so to invest that kind of money (windows/sandblasting/tuckpointing/restoration) is a major expense that we cannot commit to at this time. To all of our awesome customers who shop Laacke & Joys Downtown location - we thank you! You, our expert sales staff, and products are the reason for our 165 years of success! For the few who have not shopped our downtown store (or any other location)... we invite you to check out a local Milwaukee icon! While you may not like the looks of the outside, we're sure you'll dig all of the goods we have inside! Also, one of our best kept secrets (although it's been incredibly popular this spring and summer) is our canoe and kayak rentals. Folks, if you don't like the front, come check out our awesome gear on the inside, OR, paddle a boat and check out our backside - you'll be glad you did! Thanks for shopping LOCAL. - Beth
| Rate this: |
Posted by pfan on July 21, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. (report)
Agreed, this place could really use a makeover. Anyone in retail will tell you visibility is key. This makes sense not only for the betterment of their business, but also for the improvement of the street in general. Rather than looking somewhat abandoned, imagine a day-lit building with goods displayed toward the street. Imagine people actually knowing they rent boats for the river by having a clear pedestrian link from the sidewalk to a rental area. A better experience for patrons and passersby will be a win for all... And hats off to 165 years in business. Clearly they know what they're doing, but there's nothing wrong with suggesting sensible improvements.
| Rate this: |
Posted by yvonne8753 on July 21, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (report)
Jeff- 165 years without windows and just about everyone who is into the outdoors knows where it is. I know Jeff that 4you want to change the east side, downtown and third ward into your image (wait the third ward is in your iamge). Chain resturants here comes Jeff.
| Rate this: |
Posted by floss on July 21, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (report)
Hey JannaZ, thanks for bringing the crazy. This is a great article. I think you should pick a new place every week that needs a little bit of updating to create a virtual suggestion box.
| Rate this: |
Show me the other 19 Talkbacks
Recent blogs/briefs by Jeff Sherman
|
Sell me on a new show Wednesday "Mad Men" is done, as is "Entourage." And, my favorite show, "Friday Night Lights" is ... |
|
Unpaid parking tickets total $60 million in Milwaukee Tuesday More than 124,540 City of Milwaukee parking tickets are unpaid -- accounting for almost ... |
|
Business Week's top place to raise kids in Wisconsin is ... Nov. 25, 2009 Businessweek.com named its "Best Places to Raise Your Kids" in Wisconsin (and the other ... |
|
Your thoughts on Jazz in the Park? Nov. 25, 2009 Organizers want your thoughts and opinions on Jazz in the Park. Take this survey as the ... |
|
A "Milwaukee love fest" from the airlines Nov. 24, 2009 Today, the Airline Biz blog on dallasnews.com notices the increased focus on flights in ... |
| Top Clicks | Top Searches | Most Talkbacks |
|
|
- Rediscovering The Shops of Grand Avenue
- OnMedia: Three Christmas classics coming next week
- Target hits the mark with new shopping cart design
- OnMedia: Sarah Palin may be a permanent fixture
- OnMedia: All-Christmas radio is a business decision
- Any ideas for the Gimbel's parking pavilion?
- Varied experience leads Thompson to jazz "Reverie"
- Color Zen has some bright ideas for your walls
- OnMedia: Do you fast-forward past the ads?
- Cooking up community through cupcakes
