Copyright MassLive
In an effort to boost sales and create a more inviting atmosphere, a nationwide retailer has unveiled a new mandate requiring employees to increase their friendliness toward nearby customers. Target’s new program, called the “10-4,″ instructs employees to smile, make eye contact and wave or say hello to customers 10 feet away, Bloomberg reported. If a customer is within 4 feet, workers must ask if they need help or how their day is going. The move represents Target Corporation’s latest effort to improve weak store sales and foster a more welcoming environment ahead of the holiday season. Target’s incoming chief executive officer, Michael Fiddelke, told Bloomberg that improving the shopping experience is one of his main priorities. Target is not alone in implementing such greeting rules, The Independent wrote. Walmart already requires associates to make eye contact at the 10-foot mark, while Disney theme parks follow a “10-and-5 rule,” where cast members smile and make eye contact with visitors at 10 feet and greet guests within 5 feet. Target did not respond to MassLive’s request for comment.
