When the UK’s biggest sandwich chain, Pret-a-Manger announced it would be making its gingerbread man gender-neutral, there was an immediate outcry.
Political correctness gone mad, wailed many.
In fact, when a skirt-wearing treat named Annie was introduced alongside breeks-wearing Godfrey, she found a place in the nation’s hearts . . . and tummies!
Both Annie and Godfrey were renamed gingerbread biscuits and transgender commentators hailed the move a step in a positive direction.
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A win-win for Pret, who judged their customers brilliantly.
To be a successful retail pro, whether as a sales assistant, the store manger or the company CEO, it’s important to measure feedback and give your customers what they want.
Let’s take a look at three of the world’s most famous products that have been changed and ultimately persuaded shoppers of their new worth.
Barr’s Irn-Bru
First made in 1901, the recipe for this soft drink is a closely guarded secret and known by only four people.
That’s why there was much gnashing of teeth when its makers, the Barr family, announced they would be reducing the sugar content to make it healthier.
It turned out all of the panic stockpiling of the original drink wasn’t necessary.
Today the new product is still the best-selling drink in Scotland. Even Barak Obama swigged a can when he visited.
The Apple iPhone
When Steve Jobs first announced plans for the iPhone at a Macworld convention in 2007, the notion of the new gizmo was an instant hit with tech geeks.
It didn’t stay a curiosity only for the IT crowd, however. In the years since, it has become a must-have accessory for mobile phone users across the planet.
And Apple knows that continually evolving its best-selling phone and bringing out new versions – bigger, smaller, faster, funkier – is the best way to retain loyal customers, as well as attract brand new buyers.
Cadbury Creme Egg
Alas, not all changes are initially welcomed. It was widely reported Cadbury lost £6 million in Creme Egg sales after changing the recipe.
A retail analyst’s report says the dip happened when the Dairy Milk in its recipe was replaced with cheaper chocolate.
Today, however, the Egg has fought back and remains a much-loved confection – especially when Cadbury launches limited editions. One of 371 white chocolate eggs was found by a lady in Luton and netted her a £1000 prize.
Do you fancy a change? Why not launch a new career by checking out the latest Retail opportunities on s1jobs?