"A new leaf"
A review of Olan Mills by Anon - Saturday 24th of March 2007
Ok so the old Olan Mills went bust and there can be no doubt that the timing and method left a lot to be desired. I am an outsider who knows a senior manager and spoke to him week before the fateful day. He knew of problems with the banks but had no idea of the probable outcome.
A week later, like everyone else, he was out of a job.
Now there are some store opening and yes they have bought the name, but surely we must all accept that if the old business did not work and turn a profit then changes to the whole working ethos must be made. What needs to be done is as with any business. A firm business foundation has to be built and that of course means fewer studios and fewer staff. In the business these overheads make up a massive amount of the costs and have to be realistic. It probably also means a change to packages and facilities such as Elegance not being available just yet (if ever again) and new concepts being offered to the customers.
Trust me, in my line of work I have watched companies expand too quickly and be too ambitious with their business plans only to fail badly at their core business and teeter on the brink of bankruptcy a mnere six months down the line. I am dealing with at least two right now and in my line of work their closure affects other people in a big way, not just their employees.
No disrespect is intended to anyone who does not get invited back but they really must employ the very best people for the job in hand, i.e. building a NEW business and restoring public trust in the service and product they offer. The new owners have put their own money on the table and secured other financial backing so they really deserve some credit, they have saved at least some jobs and have realistic plans to expand when the time is right. Please give them a chance to earn your trust, I don't know many employees but those I do have been committed to a positive customer experience and appear to have been let down by the OLD owners who made their money and ran. The new guys deserve a break.
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