Kroger and Target update staff uniforms to boost store visibility

If you have ever wandered through a massive grocery store searching for a staff member, you are not alone. Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocer, and Target are both overhauling their dress codes to solve this exact problem. Kroger is moving to company-issued shirts with logos in blue, red, or black. This is their first uniform update in a decade. Karl Neimann, a Kroger Vice President, said customer feedback showed their associates were simply not visible enough. Target is taking a similar path by requiring grocery employees to wear specific hats and aprons starting November 1. This comes on top of their existing rule requiring red vests or red-sleeved shirts. These companies are spending millions on these shifts because they know the in-store experience is their only edge against online giants like Amazon. Meanwhile, Wegmans is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Ultimate Chocolate Cake by dropping the price to $20 for the large size all through October. It is a rare deal on a premium item that started as an employee bake-off contest. Whether it is a new uniform or a discounted cake, these chains are fighting hard to keep you walking through their doors instead of clicking a button. If your own business relies on foot traffic, remember that even small changes in how your team presents themselves can change how a customer feels about your shop. It turns out, looking the part is half the battle when you are fighting for every dollar.