Super Markets May Have to Change Dress-Code Policies:

[Sherman A1]

LAS VEGAS — Supermarkets may have to change with the times when it comes to extreme hair colors, body piercings and cell-phone usage among store-level employees, one speaker said Tuesday at a workshop here during the 30th annual National Grocers Association Show.

"Our dress code is part of the handbook all new employees receive, and it says we will tolerate 'no extremes,'" Frank Ray, vice president, human resources at Harps Food Stores, Springdale, Ark., said. "However, we provide flexibility to our store managers to interpret what that means —

And cell phones are not allowed on the sales floor. "But we all have to start thinking differently about these things because some store managers are OK with texting when it's business-related. And employees in other businesses may use cell phones to look up information for customers, so we have to change with the times on phones, and maybe on hair and piercings as well."


Read More: http://supermarketnews.com/2013-nga-show/markets-may-have-change-dress-code-policies-speaker#ixzz2Km7lpbUl

[Ikonoklast]

1. When I was first hired in at a supermarket many moons ago, I was first told to cut my hair.

I laughed and told them not to bother, I didn't want to work anywhere they judge you by how you look and not how you work.


The owner of the company called me the next day and told me I was hired, and not to bother getting a haircut, he needed people that can do the job.

[Art_from_Ark]

8. "And the sign said, 'Long-haired freaky people need not apply'..."

[pipoman]

2. Some change with the times is good..

I, however, will never allow one of my servers to serve with a tongue stud or sleeve tattoo...I have tattoos..they are covered at work and most of my customers have no idea I have them...they are contrary to the culture of most of my customers. Tongue studs are just gross and overtly sexual..something I don't believe my diners care to see or think about while they are ordering their food. Maybe I'm just getting older and am out of touch..

[randome]

3. I want them to change the 'No shoes, no shirt, no service' mandate.

I suppose it was a sign of how conservative America was becoming when that became the norm.

[WinkyDink]

5. How old are you? One thumbtack in a bare foot, and Katy, bar the court-house door.

And your bare chest might not be everyone's cup o'Java.

[Codeine]

7. That's a liability thing.

Stores are full of glass things. These things fall. Often small bits of glass may be missed in cleanup. No shoes = lawsuit.

[WinkyDink]

4. What? Are we running out of unemployed people?

[Earth_First]

6. These other retailers should just look at the Wegmans business model.

There is (or should) be no other baseline for competing in this industry than the Wegmans model.

[SoCalDem]

9. Depends on the clientele largely

If a store is in a stodgy older community, some "new" trends can be off-putting and might need to be avoided IF the patronage of the public is desired.

Knowing the customer-base is part of good management, and especially when food service or handling of food is at issue.

Someone "edgy-looking" selling you clothing or household goods may be acceptable, but some may draw the line when it comes to food.