As a lover of all things creative, stylish, and fashionable, I like to keep up with fashion designers and the fashion industry.  In particular, I have an interest in the business side of fashion, especially how traditional fashion houses are keeping up with their consumers and using modern technology to connect with them.

So, today I was reading Women's Wear Daily (WWD), and came across an interview with John Galliano, designer for Christian Dior.  When asked what kind of retail service he responds to, he says:

The retail service that I respond to personally is the after-care, the fact that there’s somebody who’s written a note and gotten flowers and said, “Thank you for passing by.” I mean that’s just like, “Wow I’m going to go there again!” And that they have time for you when you’re in there. That they’re honest. I think it’s important to be honest. I think that’s how one ends up with faithful, loyal customers. Feeling great is part of looking great.

Isn't it funny how sending a thank you card or simply paying attention to your customer can create loyalty? While most companies are into social media and using technology clamoring for customers, you could be the one who just offers good ole-fashioned service.

That's not to say that social media doesn't have its role - after all, I'm huge proponent of companies using social media. I'm just saying that sticking to the basics is a better long-term strategy.