James Tenser

Former Ukrop's Ban Fundraising Outside of Stores

February 23, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Back in 2004 when Target, a national chain, decided it would not allow the Salvation Army and other groups to fundraise outside its stores. Fast-forwarding to today: Ahold's Martin's Food Markets has a similar policy to Target's. Will Martin's ban on soliciting for charities outside its stores help or hurt it as it takes over the former Ukrop's locations?      [more...]

When the Target/Salvation Army controversy arose, I made a comment in this forum about the "gauntlet effect" created by solicitors outside store entrances. It was widely picked up in the media. I still have mixed feelings about that.

Nobody likes to see the efforts of worthy charities hampered by restrictive policies. But no retailer wants its shoppers to have an experience just prior to a shopping trip that results in a smaller basket.

In extending this policy to its re-bannered Martin's locations, Ahold may have made the right business decision - but it's a cold decision.