Page 9 - Aaron Quartullo of Biltmore Pro Print

the profits. If you visit the store on any of the above-mentioned holidays, you won’t be the only person there. How much money is the business earning by resolutely keeping their doors open?
THE EFFECT OF THEIR CHOICES
While Chick-fil-A is losing business on Sunday and costing me to lose out on my craving, is it positively affecting the rest of their sale days? Do people respect them for giving their employees a day of rest? Do people value the religious respect the company is offering? Will they earn that lost profit back tenfold?
While CVS is losing $2 billion in tobacco user sales, how much non-tobacco sales are they going to earn? I haven’t been to CVS in quite some time, but I respect their choice to make a decision to support healthy lifestyles. If I were standing before a Walgreens and a CVS, I would probably choose CVS now. In fact, it has become apparent that cigarettes are one of the low- margin products on their shelves. By clearing them out, they’ve opened up more space for products that bring in a higher profit margin. So, not only have they brought in the business of those who support their stand, they’re now making more money from them.
Wal-Mart and other stores that stay open on holidays may be raking in initial sales, but how much are they losing in the long run. Firstly, how negatively are their employees now viewing the company? As we’ve shared in this magazine before one key to a successful business is the appreciation and positive attitude of employees. When that forgetful person walks into Wal-Mart Christmas morning, are they greeted with the happy smiling faces of employees? Or, are they faced with employees who’d rather be home with their families?
Also, how much business is Wal-Mart losing on principle. I’ve heard of people shunning the store specifically because of their holiday schedules and their treatment of employees.
This is just a brief sample of some of the choices businesses are making. Some companies mandate three-month leaves for senior managers every few years, so that they aren’t missing out on their life and becoming burned out. Other businesses are building gyms and daycares in their offices to promote wellness and family. Some companies are flexible with their scheduling to accommodate their employees and their family needs. Other businesses plan get-aways or surprise bonuses to keep their employees engaged and valued. Some companies mandate employee involvement in annual volunteering events. Some companies give back to their community.
So, ask yourself, is your company focused on culture or capitalism? If you are putting your energy into culture, then you may end up with quite a profitable business.
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