A Warehouse of Wisdom

March 16th, 2009 | It is certainly not much to look at from the outside. It’s just another weathered warehouse building on Union Avenue in downtown Memphis near the river. It does have some pretty impressive neighbors. Across the street is the new Auto Zone Park, home of the Red Birds, and up the street is the famous Peabody Hotel, home of the parading ducks. I have passed the building a hundred times or so, never really giving it much thought. There is absolutely nothing to draw your eye to the place. There are no bells or whistles – only a small sign displayed in the window flashing the word “open”. Over the front door there is old massive red sign with the word “Lit”, but no indication as to what that might represent. Lit is a restaurant supply house that is open to the public. Since I discovered it, I have thoroughly enjoyed shopping there. The place is full of all kinds of items that you don’t find elsewhere and the neat thing is you don’t have to buy in bulk. But perhaps what it most impressive about this place is the folks working there. I believe it is without a doubt the friendliest, not to mention the most helpful place I have ever shopped. They cater to your needs. From the minute you walk in the door until they load your stuff in the car (Yes, I did say they load your stuff in the car.) you are greeted with smiles and a staff that is concerned with helping you find what you need. They don’t annoy you, but show a genuine appreciation for your business. This is not just something a selected group of “specialized greeters” do. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, from the clerks behind the counter to folks restocking the shelves, speaks to you, asks if they can help you find anything, and thanks you for shopping with them. Of course, their smiles alone don’t keep them in business, but it sure does make the whole shopping experience that much better. I trust that people who walk through our doors will likewise be greeted with friendly faces and helpful hands. It could make all the difference in whether they find what/who they are looking for or whether they leave here frustrated yet again with the whole “church thing”. =2 0Are you doing your part?