Having someone wishing you well is always nice, but when it’s a pre-ordained phrase that you know the person is required to say as part of their job, well, not everyone loves that. And so it goes that Walgreen Co. says it’s putting an end to its “Be well” campaign that had cashiers bestowing the canned blessing upon customers.
A spokesman told the Chicago Tribune that the campaign had run its course after a few years, but didn’t explain why it was getting the axe at this particular time.
“It’s accomplished its goal of reinforcing our branding,” spokesman Michael Polzin said. “We’ll continue to build our relationships with customers in other ways.”
Walgreens employees learned about a few other changes in how they’re to deal with customers in a memo cited by the Tribune, including suggestions that workers learn customers’ names and that they should thank them for their purchase.
When a shopper walks into the store, employees no longer have to say “Welcome to Walgreens” verbatim, but can opt for something like, “Good morning” or “Welcome Back, Mrs. Doe.”
If you weren’t a fan of hearing “Be well” every time you buy a six-pack of ramen and a supply of gummy bears (don’t judge), you aren’t alone: Walgreens workers started a Facebook page called Walgreens Gone Wrong last year to air their issues with the required phrase.
Workers noted that it was somewhat ridiculous to say “be well” when someone’s buying cigarettes, or entirely awkward when aimed at a “cancer patient picking up post chemo meds.”
Then there are those who don’t mind saying nice things to customers, but having to stick to a script just didn’t feel right.
“I love and respect my customers, and of course, want them to be well, but it’s just not necessary to sound like an insincere carbon copy routine Walgreens worker,” said one. “This is definitely a step in the right direction.”
Walgreen nixes ‘Be well’ at checkout line [Chicago Tribune]
by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist
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