The Retailer That Got It Right

Merchants tried hard on Black Friday, determined to capture customers in this pivotal holiday season.

But as I walked the shopping centers and talked with customers today, one retailer set itself above the pack.

My pick for the Retailer That Got It Right is Charlotte Russe, the fashion-forward purveyor of female apparel.

The store at Cherry Hill Mall was mobbed today, as Charlotte Russe offered 25 percent off on all merchandise throughout business hours while many other retailers pulled the plug on their promotions at noon or 1 p.m. The greeter stationed at the front of the store gave each customer a festive hello -- and a big red shopping tote in which to stow her purchases.

Inventory? No problemo. Charlotte Russe was as bountifully stocked as a Thanksgiving buffet. Customers bought so many goodies a line snaked through the store, as no fewer than six cashiers dutifully and cheerfully rang up purchases.

One shopper, who waited 15 minutes for check out, said the time glided by, mostly because the staff in the store was so gosh darn nice. Hats off to Charlotte Russe for teaching their associates the incomparable value of a smile.

On the way out, the greeter thanked the customers, apologized for the wait and invited them to come back soon.

Now that's the way to do business.