So there are 2 stores that I’ve been to lately that don’t seem to be effected by the recession. They are always busy…always. There are customers in the store making purchases, there is a positive energy and people are excited about what they’re getting. The first one is Apple. I’ve been in and out of a few of the Apple stores in Denver recently (getting my computer fixed and buying a new iPhone for Jess.) Every single time I’m in there, no matter what time of day, the store is busy…very busy. I always ask the employees if this is normal and they say emphatically “yes!”

The second place is Chick-Fil-A…another place that we frequent (probably more than we should and more than I would like to admit.) But it’s good and they just opened one only a few minutes from our house. The thing I like about Chick-Fil-A is the level of customer service I receive and the experience that they create while you are there. I’ve never been to a chain establishment where the service is consistently great at every location I’ve ever been to.

So I find myself asking the question…Why aren’t these places feeling the effects of the recession, how are they staying busy? Well the first answer is that they offer great products. Apple comes out with new products all the time, products that people just have to have. We own 2 computers, 2 iPhones and 3 iPods and just went and bought Jessica a brand new iPhone 3GS (which by the way is awesome.) There is no question that Apple offers products that are not just cool, but well made. Chick-Fil-A offers great food and while it’s not “health food” it’s not the worst fast food you could ever eat. Either way it’s good.

But beyond the product what else do these places offer? They offer amazing service and every time I go through the doors of these places I know I’m going to have a great experience. There is always a positive buzz in the Apple stores, the staff is friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the products. Something you don’t find in a place like Best Buy. They use the products and they want you to use them as well because they know how great they are. The service at Chick-Fil-A is really amazing…bringing you free samples of milkshakes while waiting in the drive-thru lane, refilling your drinks while you’re sitting at your table, getting rid of your trash for you. And one of my favorite things they do…instead of saying “no problem” in response to a question they say, “it’s my pleasure.” A small difference but it just goes to the culture of service they are trying to instill.

I choose to spend my money in these places becaue it makes me feel good, I know exaclty what I’m going to get and I like supporting businesses that have my best interest in mind. I like supporting businesses that I know are always striving to bring me the best. So then I need to make sure that our business is always offering that…