On Sunday evening, I waited in a slow line of more than ten customers at the Pacific Ave./Broadway Office Depot, with first one and then finally two checkout registers open. I had already waited awhile to talk to the one salesperson covering the floor of the entire store.
Through the end of 2008, four or five store employees used to be busy in the aisles throughout the day. The wait last night brought to mind a Glendale News Press weekend feature quoting a former Office Depot employee who had just been laid off.
Discretionary spending by consumers and businesses has slowed to almost nothing. However, people and businesses still need print cartridges, paper, and other supplies. Lower revenues and staff cutbacks translate directly into less service for Office Depot customers. A business loss is customers’ loss as well.
You wouldn’t believe the number of customers that walk out in disgust due to the lack of assistance in our store. One person covering the entire store, not counting cashiers, is not uncommon during employee lunch breaks. That happens just when customers are able to drop in for the things you mentioned.
I never had a problem finding an employee to answer my questions in the past. I hope this Office Depot location, with its large parking lot and good selection, survives the current economic climate.