Stores have become theaters, clerks have become actors and the merchandise is the set.

As we get through the season, department stores are going to be brutal in throwing merchandise back to vendors.

I've haven't heard anything negative, but Dick's has such a wide range of merchandise. Some of the (athletic) shoe stores may be upset that Dick's will be selling shoes.

It becomes automatic for clerks to approach customers immediately. Some stores say salespeople should greet customers within 30 seconds.

(The clerks) get a fair amount of abuse from the customers and some of it light hearted and joking and some of it pretty serious that they're responsible for that.

We want to make sure the stores have the flexibility to utilize associates in a way that allows them to more efficiently and effectively serve customers.