Recommendations

   As every store, we also need some improvements and recognize that it's time to make some changes. After speaking with managers of the DSW branch in Watchung we were able to come together and develop an idea to as to what can be improved upon with operations management.  The following are some recommendations that Team Awesome came up with:

•  Layaway - Since our priority is to make our customer happy, we feel this would emphasize that. With this service our customers will have the opportunity to buy a product in installments and after all the payments are made , they will be able to take their product home. Even though our products aren't as expensive as some of our competitors, we still have to understand that our economy isn't great and that by creating a layaway department we would be able to broaden our products to a bigger audience. 

• Shoe Stock Center - A great new system that DSW should create is a Shoe Stock Center.   The setup/designation is similar to that of Barnes&Noble in that you are able to walk into the store and head directly to a stationary information booth for book availability.  In DSW's case this booth/kiosk will allow the customer to scan a UPC code of a shoe from a magazine or print-out from DSW.com and have almost the same capability that an employee has with Shoephoria.  The customer at this center is able to search for  a shoe size in store as well as derive information as to where a particular shoe is available at the nearest DSW. Ultimately this is truly a win-win for customers that know what they want and the booth/kiosk is their answer while on the other hand for those who look for the sincerity in human interaction, it is provided by an assistant that is not overwhelmed with  multiple customers and is focused on promoting the quality priority that DSW strives for. 

• More Chairs -  The recommendation is very simple and minimal, but who is to say that minimal doesn't go a long way?  Team Awesome spent some time at DSW stores and shared our own shoe shopping experiences at other shoe outlets and the lack of seating is a crucial factor in keeping our eyes on the merchandise.  The customer is more prone to spending longer visits in the store as well as having a comfortable experience with more merchandise, in turn enhancing the chances of making a sale.