Kevin Rennett, The Crazy Store MD. Source: Courtesy

Since then, The Crazy Store has worked hard to dispel the misconception that it stocks ‘cheap and nasty’ goods, establishing itself as a trusted retailer that offers value and variety. .

And so much variety. With more than 6,000 product lines across categories such as toys, kitchenware, novelties, sweets, parties, pet essentials, stationery, and household items, Crazy Store has an extensive customer base and shoppers at nearly every life stage. Appeal to customers and its payoff line “Hey, you never know what you’ll find!”

“Our shelves are full of products based on customer feedback, requests and of course, your shopping patterns. All of our products are tested in-house to ensure they are of high quality and great value. We do,” said Kevin Lennett, managing director of The Crazy Store.

Providing value

The retailer reports solid double-digit year-on-year growth and continues to expand its store footprint (425 in South Africa, 3 in Botswana and 14 in Namibia).

Lennett continues to evolve as a key differentiator that has driven The Crazy Store’s success over the past 25 years, alongside the retailer’s focus on value and five-star service. We believe in providing products.

In a financially constrained environment, the quest for value intensifies as shoppers tighten their purse strings.

In an interview, Rennett said how he expects The Crazy Store to fare under tough operating conditions. biz community“Rising prices are a major factor in all of our lives, and consumers will have less to put in their pockets and at the same time will have to pay more for goods and services.” Our challenge is to keep our prices as competitive as possible so that our customers get the best possible value.

“We have noticed how our appeal extends to the full extent of the customer spectrum, including all income brackets … Sales are always under pressure in times of inflation, but we have seen great value We will continue to find ways to drive those sales through certain products.”

According to Rennett, value drives every purchase decision at The Crazy Store, and it will continue to underpin its strategy going forward. But he also pointed out how a large network of stores has contributed to a focus on value during difficult times.

“Our large footprint of 444 stores means you can find a crazy store on almost every corner. makes it easier than ever to find a store near you.” “Our value, service and convenience continue to drive sales and maintain our importance in the customer world.” There is no doubt about it.”

culture of service

At Crazy Store’s recent birthday celebration at Cape Town’s Canal Walk, Renette said the retail industry lacks ‘heart’ and that good retailer customer service is essential to success. I said yes.

The company has over 2,000 employees in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, and staff are trained to go the extra mile to delight shoppers. “They love our customers. They know their needs and strive to provide world-class customer service in their stores,” Rennett said. You have to care about service and bad service, and you have to practice this through your interactions with your customers.”

he explained biz community To maintain a culture of high quality service, the company has three customer service training programs, daily product knowledge training, and reviewing all complaints and compliments that arrive in the inboxes of Lennett and two other directors. There is a customer care center.

“We take compliments and complaints seriously, and engaging with feedback on a daily basis keeps us humble and allows us to focus on the customer experience in our stores. Consider it sorted.”

Aiming for 600 stores

Going forward, The Crazy Store will continue to invest heavily in store upgrades and rollouts, and continuously explore potential sites.

“We continue to invest in the layout and presentation of our stores to provide our customers with a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience. continue to guarantee

“This year we will be opening 32 new Crazy Stores (maybe more)… New store openings continue to be on the radar and there are still many opportunities for new sites. 500 stores next year. and will soon have 600 stores,” Rennett said.