Customer Service Makes World of Difference

A friend of mine—who also has Parkinson’s disease—e-mailed me a couple of days ago and told me that I had to write about his experience at a local supermarket/retail superstore. At first, I thought that he would be recanting a story about store clerks who paid no attention to detail and had an indifferent attitude toward the customer. I was pleasantly surprised to hear him praise two clerks at a local grocery store he frequents.

My friend was shopping in the store and he was having a particularly bad PD day. His feet began “freezing,” his balance was off, and his tremors were worse than normal. A couple clerks spotted my friend and immediately found a wheelchair cart for him and helped him reach for items that were difficult for him to access. Instead of allowing him to struggle and suffer embarrassment, the clerks turned an uncomfortable moment into a pleasant one. 

Before he knew it, his shopping was complete and he was ready to leave the store—all thanks to two quick-thinking clerks who exemplify the term “customer service.” My friend was beyond grateful and felt like his neighborhood store really was concerned about him and his safety. It seemed to him that his neighbors were attentive to his needs. And, in our busy, hectic lives these days, it is comforting to know that this type of behavior still exists.

Next time you are at your favorite grocery or retail store, watch for displays of customer service. Not only will the store manager appreciate your comments but also the clerks will feel rewarded by your observations. 

More consumers need to voice when things are right within an organization as well as those needing improvement. It’s the neighborly thing to do.