Good Corporate Citizens ?

Graeme from Frankton

Most of you will know a bit about The Warehouse , and their actions lately . Even putting aside your feelings about their products or staff , when the lockdown was first announced , they decided they were an essential business . Seriously , they did . Because they sell big packs of toilet rolls , feminine personal products , and warm childrens clothing . That was ACTUALLY what they said ! So they wanted all their stores open , selling all sorts of , well , you know the kind of stuff they sell .
Basically , completely came across as greedy , manipulative , even putting their staff at risk and/or want to get work out of everyone they have to pay wages for . Widely ridiculed .
Then come the 'essential' products category that was actioned yesterday -- and yes , they had their website up and running , selling heaters and fridges and laptops and cellphones .
And seemingly straight away , they applied to open 'selected stores' for customers who wanted to pick up their products , and/or rural clients . Yes , still clutching at every excuse IMO .
Now comes news that Harvey Norman have emailed the owners of all their New Zealand stores saying they will NOT be paying leases whilst this lockdown is on . Obviously , this is almost certainly in breach of their lease agreements . Some small businesses have negotiated with their landlords . But this ( according to news reports ) was not negotiation -- it was simply a standard e-mail advising landlords -- no negotiation . Basically , bullying . Large purpose built premises that would be hard to re-lease . Suck it or we'll make you take us to court basically .
And Countdown too -- initially told any staff who objected to working ( on health grounds ) they wouldn't get paid . Cancelled specials . Seemingly put some prices up . After their competitor kept running specials AND offered staff a 10% 'bonus' , Countdown seems to have fallen into line , which is good ( eventually ) . I remember the boycott of them a few years ago though , over their bullying of suppliers -- 'we will only buy if we get extra discounts , we don't care if you lose money -- take it or leave it' .

Personally , I haven't gone to any of those 3 businesses much , so not much will change , but I do look at the overall image of a business . I don't have a heap of money , but again just me personally , I'd sooner support businesses that align more with my morals and ethics .

This piece may get deleted ( although I believe it is all factual ) but feel free to add any comments or other businesses you want to praise or point out what you don't like .