Fall 2021Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER PROFILE

the store’s 10 employees, including the eight who were rehired from the former business. When the store changed hands, Almanza taught them to use the new computers, barcode scanners and other pieces of newly implemented technology. He has also been focusing on training employees to offer more customer-oriented service, a change that has paid off based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews online. Almanza says they’ve also made a concerted effort to listen to their employees, taking their ideas for the business into consideration. Starting Over From Scratch When Izquierdo and Almanza took ownership, they wanted a clean slate, starting with the name. After Izquierdo’s mother-in-law suggested Whatchamacallit, both thought it would be a good fit.

Richard Almanza (left) trained all of Whatchamacallit’s employees on the new computer and inventory systems.

38 Fall 2021 • Hardlines Strategies