In our store, which is one of the largest in the company, they've cut all the part time associates, leaving only a small number of full-time people to do everything. So, here's the thing. The best way to increase sales? Have associates that can engage customers. Best way to reduce shrink? Have associates that can engage customers. So, they're going to reduce sales and see increased shrink. That equates to less profits, not more.
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So when the family ran the company it was apparent that the legends in their own minds didn't understand that stores were THE cost centers where money was made. James River probably has some other objective. Huge tax write off in failure vs. other profitable ventures?
The folks making decisions to reduce payroll in order to increase profits are too far removed from the customer experience to understand how associate interaction with customers increases sales and reduces theft. Also, that fewer associates increases customer lines at the register and slows down on-line order fulfillment. And, cutting textbook orders causes out-of-stocks and chases customers to competitors to make purchases. Follet executives have been doing all they can, for years, to diminish their relevance in the market place.
They don't care!