Warren Thayer

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...]

Roger Saunders is right. This could also to some degree be a big-city vs. small-town type thing. In a major urban market, having people you don't know out in front of a store can be seen as an annoyance. When I lived in NYC, I felt that way. Of course the groups seeking donations could be really pretty aggressive. Now, in small-town Vermont, I see my neighbors and friends outside the stores soliciting for one thing and another, and it's an enjoyable experience all around. I get to chat with friends, make a donation, and feel that the store is doing its part as a member of the community. It's a whole different culture, and you should be cognizant of that as a merchant. Roger's suggestion that the new ownership speak with the former owners is spot-on.