A.C. Moore is a specialty store that focuses on the arts and crafts. On the left hand side of the outside of the store, there are displays of seasonal items. In those displays I see scarecrows, willow baskets, giant plastic grocery bags, and plain pine wreaths. On the right hand side of the outside of store, there are shopping carriages. Upon enter the store, I noticed that it seems to be a vestibule with doors on either end. To left I see the registers and the exit door and to the right I see the entrance. Inside the vestibule. there is a wall of merchandise as well as stand-alone displays. The displays seemed to be all over the place. There were calendars and then hand soap. Not the impression of an arts and crafts store. I proceeded to enter the store and noticed a display of jar candles as well as tables filled with what I believe is fall floral. I decided to walk the main isles first in order to gain an insight on the whole store. On the ceiling there are signs distinguishing the different departments.
To me the atmosphere of the store seems to inspire creativity. The store is filled with color and many samples of how to use the product. As I walked up down the isles I couldn’t help but stop and look at the products. I stopped a passing employee and asked them a few questions about a product. The employee told that they were not familiar with the products of from that department but they were going to find someone who did and send them right over. A little over a minute another employee came by and was able to answer my questions. I liked how the staff seemed to be very educated on the products and made me feel comfortable enough to ask questions.
From my observations the customer that shop at A.C. Moore seem to range in age. I saw older woman in the yarn and sewing departments. In the art department I saw younger customers in the art department. I saw couples in the wedding and floral departments. Some of the customers seemed to focused. While others seemed to be just wondering through the store.
I decided to purchase a paint by numbers in order to observe how the sale staff interacted with the customers. Every customer that approached the cashier would ask if they had a rewards card. Some of the customers didn’t seem to have the card on them so the cashier said that it was not a problem and that they could look up the account. When it was my turn to cash out, the cashier asked me if I had a rewards card. I said I did not. The cashier took the time to explain all the benefits of the free program. I signed up for rewards card.
My experience at A.C. Moore was a positive one. I found the store inspiring and offering products to its demographics. The customers seemed pleasant and the sales staff seemed to be friendly and willing to help answer any questions one may have.