So I was coming into work the other day and noticed a new posting about us doing a kids night(can't forget the costumes and fun) on Oct. 24th and that each dept. has to have an activity for the kiddies. To which I believe this is brought to us by Apparel and the culture council. And has me wondering, is anybody else's store doing anything special for Halloween this year?
I'm actually even surprised our store is even doing anything at all really. As we haven't unless the front end peeps dressed up a little bit. And even though, I know my town does do something or other at the stores for the kiddies on beggar's night, so they aren't out on the streets too long. I don't think I've ever heard mention of Kroger doing anything special at all before. Maybe for Easter or Christmas with cookie decorations. But each department having to come up with an activity? Really? Any who, back to the people. Is your store doing anything for the little goblins and ghoulies this year?
My store has done this every year for as long as I can remember! It's a bit of a headache trying to get associates to volunteer for the different tables, but ultimately I think it's a nice way for our store to do something nice for the children (and their parents) in our community.
Working in the deli/bakery, I've always been volunteered to do the cookie decorating table (I hand out plain sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them with icing). Always messy for sure, but it's kinda cute to see the kids get creative-- they always say this table is their favorite part of the whole experience.
Good luck to you if you are the one doing your department table/activity! Let us know how it goes. :)
My store has done this every year for as long as I can remember! It's a bit of a headache trying to get associates to volunteer for the different tables, but ultimately I think it's a nice way for our store to do something nice for the children (and their parents) in our community.
Working in the deli/bakery, I've always been volunteered to do the cookie decorating table (I hand out plain sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them with icing). Always messy for sure, but it's kinda cute to see the kids get creative-- they always say this table is their favorite part of the whole experience.
Good luck to you if you are the one doing your department table/activity! Let us know how it goes. :)
Don't get me wrong. I like the idea of it and it could be kind of cute. Mind you it will depend on what department I'm in that night. Cause if I'm in deli and they pull me over to man a decorating table for bakery(without having to CLOSE bakery) then I would gladly volunteer for it.
But if I'm in bakery and have to close and we still have shortened hours. It's going to be hell so to speak. Given the fact that you get uber behind rather quickly and I would hate that. And not enjoy the experience as it would be more like a major distraction from what else I have to do.
All these ideas are to connect with the community. If your stores is in a small community, this build goodwill and support for the store. It also just allows associates to have some fun @ work.....something that is missing!
all my store ever did was say we could be in costume, as long as we had our name tag on, and give the associates who hardly worked anyway an excuse to stand there with a bucket of candy and hand it to the kids. great idea. not.
Yea, my store is in a small town. And I think they are doing this now, because there are still people aren't happy we have a bar in the store. Or that it's so big and they can't find things. So I guess by doing something like this, and catering to the kiddies. It will make the parents and so forth see things in a different light.
Jury is still out on that "fun" part of things in general. Cause as one of the actual peeps that do work when I'm at work. I can only imagine that I'll have to end up slicing bread or whatever and running to get candy all night. Hence my initial thoughts on not being a fan of the idea if I have to close bakery.
At Mangobiscuit: No clue if we are allowed to wear costumes or not. It just said each department had to have an activity to do. Although I'm sure the more cutesy employees will try and slip on some Halloween jewelry or nail polish or something.
I'm sure you can wear an outfit, but do you ? Remember to always wear your cut glove and apron and hairnet.....and everything else that is required. HELL, market the Trick-or-Treat as parents can drink and let the kids run around the store.
We also have a bar, I don't understand why they though it would "drive sales"......if anything its just to sell growlers and sample. Yes, we have some people that drink, but I cant say its more then 50 people a week. I now find beer glasses all over the store!
Our store does this kind of thing each year, on an evening leading up to Halloween. Face painting and all that jazz.
I guess I'm basically an old-fashioned Fuddy Duddy, (and a bit antisocial?) but I wish Kroger would just let us concentrate on being a great GROCERY STORE!!!!! Kroger is always trying to be all things to all people, always trying to be a department store, a gas station, a coffee shop, a bank, a liquor store, a bar, a nightclub, a kiddie "safe place', a community center, a drugstore, a costume and novelty shop, etc,etc.
Personally I just wish we wouldn't have all these 'special events' which only cause more work for the employees. (Think Taste of Italy). We should strive to do our regular jobs as well as we can, and not have so many distractions that stress us out! But that's just me.
I'm sure you can wear an outfit, but do you ? Remember to always wear your cut glove and apron and hairnet.....and everything else that is required. HELL, market the Trick-or-Treat as parents can drink and let the kids run around the store.
We also have a bar, I don't understand why they though it would "drive sales"......if anything its just to sell growlers and sample. Yes, we have some people that drink, but I cant say its more then 50 people a week. I now find beer glasses all over the store!
Maybe I can find an emoji face mask that makes me actually look like I'm happy to be there to go with my work shirt. That would indeed be me all dressed up, lol. And I would not be surprised if they could get away with a little sipping as the kids get the goodies.
Wait no live torture Thursdays at your bar? *cough* I mean blaringly loud live entertainment, to the point that you can't even hear yourself think least of all what the person just said right in front of you? Yea that and our lovely Friday dinners and as it's football season, definitely keeps our bar hopping. More often than not.
