CBA entered an agreement with The Friedman Group to provide in-person and online/on-demand retail training. The scope of training will range from customer service and sales to store management and operations.
The program will launch at UNITE 2017, CBA’s annual convention this year in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 27-30.
The Friedman Group has more than 35 years of retail training that has helped small and large retail companies implement processes for goal setting, metrics analysis, coaching, hiring, training, progressive discipline, and other disciplines that help retailers succeed.
“Our mission is to help retailers create world-class customer experiences that will set their companies apart from the competition and foster growth,” said Marlene Cordry, The Friedman Group president.
Training is designed for frontline sales people, sales managers, field supervisors, and owners.
CBA selected The Friedman Group after discussions with a group of leading storeowners and managers who voiced needs and expressed recommendations.
The online training program contains the latest innovative coaching, leadership, and accountability courses for managers at every level, plus basic customer-service and sales courses for every team member’s skill level. This will provide not only easy access to training and information, but also make it easier for stores to conduct consistent and effective professional training that advances customer service and sales capabilities, Cordry said.
The training platform has more than 50,000 users and is available very affordably via web or mobile devices.
“Every aspect and level of retail management will be easily accessed to help Christian-store leaders and staff create engaging customer experiences that connect with people and ensure their needs are met,” said Tammy Horvath, CBA membership director.
Additionally, CBA and The Friedman Group will plan a two-and-a-half day retail management seminar to help storeowners and managers organize and operate their stores to compete more effectively.
Wendi Swanson, a Friedman Group trainer and presenter, worked with CBA several years ago with high marks from attendees and returns to help lead in-person sessions at UNITE 2017’s Retail Academy plus a customer experience workshop.
“I am excited to be able to reconnect with Christian retailers during a time of retailing transition,” Swanson said. “Despite the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, consumers will continue to shop in stores. Retailers must be able to provide an exceptional customer experience to counter or complement online trends and keep customers coming back to the store.”
The Friedman Group
The Friedman Group is a 35-year-old company that specializes in retail sales, management and operations training. Its business is helping salespeople sell more. With an unparalleled track record, the company has thousands of success stories from many years of focused effort to bring a higher level of performance and professionalism to retail in just about every retail industry.
CBA, the Association for Christian Retail
CBA is the leading association for providers of Christian products to reach all people. It supplies vital connections, information, education and encouragement to Christian resource providers.
Contact: Sharon Roberts
E-mail: sroberts@cbaonline.org 719-272-3504
