Casual Living

Courtney M. Paschal

Trade Shows, Travel Woes
August 10, 2007

It seems this year was the hardest on everyone traveling to trade shows. 

An increase in the amount of flight delays and cancellations, combined with radical weather changes and computer glitches, took its toll on a number of us in the furniture industry. 

Just recently I returned from a trip to New England where I visited specialty retailers in the casual furniture business. Despite delayed flights and missed connections, I returned home quite pleased with the customer service the airline provided not only me, but other stranded customers. 

It couldn’t have been easy keeping up with all of the travelers at my particular gate, some tired and weary, others angry. But the two gate attendants kept a pleasant attitude, informing us of changes as the information came to them. 

Would I fly this airline again despite the trouble I had getting to and from my destination? Absolutely. Good customer service, a positive attitude and mutual respect go a long way. Successful retailers are keen to this philosophy. 

Feel free to comment if you've had a bad travel experience, or store experience, but still walked away happy. 

Best wishes as we head into the fall season and, of course, the next round of trade shows.

Posted by Courtney M. Paschal on August 10, 2007 | Comments (0)