Quote:
Originally Posted by ken0042
Consumer Distributing was 20 years ahead of its time. Imagine a store today where you can browse the catalog on paper or online, pick what you want, and just go to a warehouse and pick it up. That would be so perfect in today's online shopping world.
I actually think their only problem was the lineups. They took forever because you would go to the line with your order slip, the guy would try to find your item that wasn't in stock, take forever, and the people behind would have to wait. If they could have computerized their inventory, you walk into the "store", submit your order electronically, and it tells you prior to lining up if its in stock.
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Had the right business model (overhead cut big time over a normal department-type store, no mechandising and floor staff needed to do anything but pick orders out of sight of the general public), but the expectation that something in the catalog should be in store, and frequently wasn't, was an issue. Crushing for a young kid..and all they could say was try somewhere else or come back next week.
Plus, with a catalog only, no chance for "sale prices", and, lack of flexibility of changing up merchandise over the 6 months before the next one came out.
That all said, that 3 mins after submitting your ticket, the joy felt seeing that GI Joe tank roll out anonomusly from the back was a unique feeling of luck, satisfaction and happiness.