Kicks Does Not Kick
New Plano, Texas, Supercenter Takes Innovative Approach to Enhancing Shopping Experience. After reading the article in the Dallas Morning News, I found (to my surprise) Wal-Mart has opened a "lab" store near my house. Although this store is called, owned and operated by Wal-Mart, it is NOT a Wal-Mart from any visitors view. Not only do you immedently notice and slate tile and upgrade uniforms (polos with khakis worn by employee's), but everything between layout of the store and the products they sell are different. Wal-Mart is known to sell cheaper quality brand names to maintain its "lower prices" mentality - not at this Wal-Mart!
As so as I entered the 208,000 square foot building, I noticed they added a coffee shop to their interior mall of random stores (nail grooming, hair grooming, restaurant and bank). My first stop was in the coffee shop where I decided to get a delicious coffee while I stroll the new store... or so I thought. The cafe was very "Starbucks-looking" with its executive feel but they did offer a few things Starbucks does not. This would include five 42" Phillips plasma TV's tuned into the news, free Wi-Fi and even a free desktop to use to browse the web.
After waiting almost 20 minutes between the line and preparation time, Danielle and I received two coffees. Now I must say I am a somewhat seasoned coffee drinker if you know what I mean and Kick's coffee was by far the worst coffee I have ever tasted. I'm still unsure if the coffee was suppose to taste like a re-used cigar or if they just suck that much...After the mild let down of coffee, we were off to explore the store. Some observations while browsing the store would include:
- Wide aisles
- Sushi bar
- Brand name products
- More selection
- Higher quality products
- expanded electronics department (watch out BestBuy)
- expanded "home" department (watch out Home Depot)
- More available help from employee's
- 1,500 different wine selections
- LOTS OF SPACE
In summary, it was a great experience. They shouldn't call it a "lab" store because I think its very clear this "test" was successful.
1 Comments:
I live in Plano and I was stunned at this post and photos (which do little to show off ambience). We have been a Kicks customer in Plano since they opened in Plano back in November of 2003. My wife and I and quite a few of our local church friends find their coffee very un-Starbuckish. Now we have met the owners and by the way, Kicks is NOT owned by Wal-Mart or operated by Wal-Mart. It is an independent coffee cafe that was started in San Diego and the owners moved to Plano. We were their on the grand opening and they were still training some of their new hires. The entire Wal-Mart store has slowed down to a normal level and they've got their regular staffers. I would suggest that you speak to the owner or his wife and let them know about your experience, they are very nice people and we here in Plano are supporting them on their journey.
Post a Comment
skLinks to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home