What:  A “co-branded” training between Target and Apple to guarantee the right level of service

Why it is important: Target is opening 17 Apple locations in its stores and does not want to take any risk on the level of service provided: 8 customers out of 10 would switch merchants due to poor service, according to Business News Daily.

This is the reason why they provide special trainings to employees, in partnership with Apple. The author argues that this kind of partnership in training, while increasing the value of knowledge transferred to sales team, also increases chances of sales conversion and employee retention. He goes further by suggesting that trainings should not be brand-specific, taking example on Trader Joe’s, which trains its staff to perform all store tasks without specializing on one aspect. As a consequence, employees feel committed and involved.

This approach will be much needed in the future, as customers tend to be more and more informed thanks to the Internet, and expect more specialised interactions with employees who, on the other hand, will also be expected to be multitasking.

Target, The 'Apple Experience' And Training