Good news- There is great customer service in Louisville! 3 Gold Star moments…

In just the last week, I have been shown some stellar examples of how little things people do in business can make a big difference.

My retail background goes back to the early 90’s and finished when I opened ARHAUS Furniture at a ripe young age of 28. That said, I can say retail is fun, and I was pretty darn good at it, but it was never for my long haul. At one point, I was on a training team who flew around the country opening stores for one retailer, and the lesson was always the same: treat the customers with sincerity, no matter what you sell, or to whom.

Easy, right? Not so much. I was a top national producer beacuse I did not BS people. My sales skills included total knowledge about the product, and resolution of issues that may have arisen, without the usual sales-y spin of crap. The same applies in my consulting work, you may not want to hear the opinion, but its the truth, and it will help your business.

These days its hard for me to shop or eat and not apply the amazing values of customer service instilled by the wonderful companies I worked for. Sometimes I am sorely disappointed in the sheer stupidity of folks out there in the industry. Bad service + crappy attitudes = slow or closed businesses, period. I know its a low paying, long hours week for you guys, but hell, if you have to be there make the most of it!

On that note- lets go to a few GREAT stories I have had this week alone and KUDOS to the people who made it all happen!

1. Outback Steakhouse
9498 Old Brownsboro Road ( US 22 )
Louisville, KY 40241
(502) 426-4329

 My daughter and I ran on an 100 F day to see a movie @8pm…of course in the heat, it was sold out. We bought the next showing tickets and cruised to Outback for a quick bite.
Things went sooth until my filet was still mooing blue inside, and as they sent the steak back, I asked for the check to expedite the dinner, explaining we were trying to make a show.  As the check came, so did my meal, completely remade…sadly, I am thinking this is going to die, boxed to go, in the car during the movie. Yuk.

But, before I could even utter a word, April, our server, suggested she could box it all, and keep it for me while we ran to the show, and pick it up upon exit!

Really?

How awesome is that.

Way to go Outback, 5 Gold Stars for you!!

2. Parfumerie
(502) 893-8868
139 St. Matthews Avenue
Corner of St. Matthews Avenue & Westport Road
Next to Trinity FB field

Lady Ruth has been operating her Parfumerie in the St Matthews area for at least 25 years. She is the best purveyor of fragrance I have ever found, and even as a mall dweller, I never shopped at the big box counters.
I found Ruth back in college when I needed something different and unique to wear that wasn’t like everyone else.
In the 80’s I wore Giorgio Armani Gio and Bijan, which were fabulous, then. I moved into floral notes of Laura Ashely No.1
( which is still my love ) alas, it is long gone.

Ruth and I found my signature Cabotine de Gres, from the House of Gres, and have worn it ever since. Its literally illicits responses from strangers men and women alike, anywhere I go.

A perfect compliment and lesson learned form a rather well traveled trusti-farian friend said to me one day upon returning home;

“Oh my God, thank goodness! Its that parfume! You don’t smell like some cheap Victoria’s Secret body spray!”  (NOTED.)

Ruth’s sense of direction was proven yet again yesterday, when a friend asked for Floris No. 89, the scent James Bond wore.
He also asked for Creed , Green Irish Tweed. This was the favourite of Cary Grant ( my friend is pretty dashing himself:)
I laughed when he said lets google it.. I said “Let me call the Parfumerie.”

Alas, Ruth called back and she had the Creed in stock!

**WHICH, MEN: is liquid sex appeal.
TRUST me on this. GET IT. (can run $275)

its WORTH every PENNY.

I digress, ( is it hot in here?), I went to the store, ready to order my Cabotine, and the No.89- but once in the store, Ruth and I played in the world’s finest frangrances and I walked out with much more than I bargained for!

Knowing the floral notes that work for me, and the heart tones of the mixes she had, she introduced me to a new world of the most exclusive fragrance I have ever encountered.

SOLD.

I won’t name my new scent ( can’t share all my secrets!) But I can say Courtney Love orders the same from her, and Ruth is the only purveyor of the brand anywhere close in the US. For men or ladies, this is a wonderful discovery.

This is how my fragrance is described:” ____is a white floral fragrance inspired by the tragic predicament of Madame Butterfly. In honour of truth and beauty, her poetic love and sorrow echo eternally.
Top Notes: Pepper, Rhubarb Leaves, Coriander.
Heart Notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Gardenia, Lily of the Valley, Carnation.
Base Notes: Vetiver, Frankincense, Amber, Opoponax, Leather.”YUMMY.

 Now, knowing my Mother, Ruth and I went mainstream and ordered something for her, that is a famous , mainstream, lovely brand of Burberry.
Don’t think the Parfumerie only carries the highest end, she also mixes scents and oils, fragrance and carries  mainline brands, but will take the time to match a scent for you personally, to make something your own.

3.The Nitty Gritty
996 Barret Avenue Louisville KY 40204
(502)583-3377
www.nittygrittyvintage.com/
Hours:

• Sunday 11am-5pm
• Monday – Saturday 11am-6pm
• Yep! That’s 7 Days A Week!!!

Wonderful purveyors of all things Vintage ( my weakness) these ladies know their stuff, and are more than willing to help outfit someone looking for their own style, but who may be hesitant to try and style themselves.
Its not all Dita Vion Teese, pinup retro ladies. Its about mixing the new with the old, or even the classics that never go out of style!
Most of my closet collection is vintage from straw purses to furs to Lilly Pulitzer from the ’60’s. Most of which, you wouldn’t be able to tell was old or new!

Beyond that, Terri is a wonderful help if you have to evaluate an estate for the jewelry and clothing. A dear friend was tasked with going through his Mother’s home after her passing. His parents were very well heeled, and as soon as I saw her wardrobe, I knew I had to call the Nitty Gritty.

Teri trusted my judgement and came to help sort through the collection and pass it along via the store, to vintage lovers who will give the items great homes.

4.Churchill Downs
Night Racing
You know when you go somewhere and they already know your name, your order and how you like things? Yes. I LOVE that.

And after all the hub-bub of Derbytime- its nice to hit the track, and have someone remember your order and greet you with a smile.
Big shout out to the greeters at Gate 1 for escorting my Mother & friend the the suites, and to the ladies upstairs who are quick to greet with a cheery disposition and being very helpful!

Got a great story to share?  Let me know where or who you like to frequent – we can let the world know:)