Kohl's is worthy, for I AM SHAINA

Since just claiming it isn't enough, I plan to persuade my audience that Kohl’s is worthy of my studies by using ethos, logos, and pathos in my speech.

Ethos will be exemplified in my speech by proving I have observed first-hand how Kohl’s is managed. The audience will see the research I have put into my cultural area, proving I have educated myself on Kohl’s Company and their target audience.

Logos will be used by my comparison shopping of Kohl’s and JCPenny’s; my observations of the store’s clutter; and the fact’s I've gathered from well-known sources. This will be backed up with my screen shots of comparison shopping. Also, I have documented proof to expose of the disarray within the store.

Pathos will be used in my delivery. I've been told that I am very engaging in my presentation. I will be animated in my speech hoping to persuade others to be enthusiastic. Pathos appeal will be added by bringing in the quote by William Thackeberry (“Mother is the name of God in the eyes and hearts of the little children.”).

These appeals will work because I am able to provide hard evidence in two of the three categories (ethos-prove my expertise, logos-pictures)- my audience is part of the generation that bases decisions on facts. My pathos will keep people most of my audience awake to hear the facts.

<3 ShainaRene'

Kohl's is no Fool!

 This source gives a broader look at the retail industry. Kohl’s (based on the graphs provided in the source) has been stable since 2009. Their ability to prepare for future trends could be the reason they are generally stable. They see that JC Penny’s is in a hole that only “promotions” could get them out of, so Kohl’s appears to be taking precautions by constantly advertising their sales to their “value-conscious consumers” (Fool, 2013). This could be useful in my speech because I focus on how they promote sales to attract the ‘Superwoman’ shopper.

This article also brings to my attention that retail business profits are predicted to decrease due to the increased money-flow into technology (Fool, 2013). I may not have been looking years ago, but I would have sworn they had more items at a ‘normal’ price. When I visited, I noticed close to everything was a sale. This may be because they are trying to lure in more customers. This may also be due to an overflow of products left over from the summer season (Fool, 2013).

The Motley Fool, “Kohl’s Corporation (KSS), Macy’s, Inc. (M): J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP) Is Turning Itself Around, but Stiff Headwinds Exist”. Insider Monkey. 2013 Sept 16. Web. 2013 Sept 18.

Creepin' on Kohl's #1

Kohl’s has a female customer base. I say this with confidence because 4 out of 5 men appear to be mentally on another planet. Also, most shoppers have younger children with them as they shop. An older woman and 2 young girls were bonding over the shopping experience. The well-dressed children were getting excited over everything; they even asked for swim suit when it’s fall! Kohl’s is a place where little ladies discover the love of shopping-till-you-drop!

Sales, Sales, SALES! Everywhere you look, you’re to feel like a smart, savvy shopper. Adele and Kelly Clarkson’s music fills the ears of the female customer base that requires reassurance that they can balance everything. As the woman strengthening music plays softly, signs of sales bombard you. If you’re looking for something at a 'normal' price you won’t find anything. This leads me to believe they’re marking the prices up at production to give a ‘discount' to their money-conscious customers. They also try to distract their customers with little hints of other sections. A normal woman will walk into Kohl's for shoes, then notice the rack of kitchenware separating shoes from the main isle. It’s at this point a normal woman becomes a Kohl's Superwoman. They appeal to a 'superwoman' persona; this is one who has classy style, saves money, and of course, she cooks too! This distractor exists to drag people into the less walked through kitchen supplies. It's made even more attractive with brightly colored items.

The bright color’s activate the part of the brain that encourage creativity that’s meant to be shared with the superwoman’s children. Kohl's claims to have a “commitment to family”; this I believe to be completely accurate. The theme of ‘babies’ is in almost every section. In the shoes, baby shoes are at the end of the shelves- reminding people of how cute that baby they know will look in the newest style of shoe. As one walks over to the women’s section in shoes, we see a photo of a woman with what appears to be her children. As we are drawn into the kitchenware, we notice the ‘Clean’ sign advertizing vacuums. The mess the vacuum is sucking up can be assumed from an arts and crafts activity- ideally between mother and child. The superwoman is also always thinking ahead to the nearest major holiday. In the section there is an overflow of baby’s-first-christmas ornaments and stockings. While I was in this section, I thought to make my own (or if I had children, to have them make) holiday gifts for loved ones. These gifts would fit perfectly into the gift bags I can purchase at Kohl's!

They just appear to have right about everything a superwoman would need outside of food and crafting supplies (but they DO sell the gift bags!).

The Superwoman should be served by a Superworker, right? Talking to people in the community about the average Kohl's associate, a general list of traits they appear to have are: classy, polite, educated, and happy. Walking around, I find that all of the associates were dressed to par; they even had glasses! But the smile they lack express that they wish to be anywhere but work. Of the two check-out clerks I observe, only one is genuinely content and offers all the discount options (I’m assuming company policy requires the discounts to be offered to every Kohl's customer). This ‘dedication to service’ atmosphere leads me to see the sign of ‘Please ask a Sale’s Associate for assistance with the merchandise reach pole’ is there to provide legal protection. They average associate seems to hope you successfully use the reach pole without bothering them since they are busy. I question what exactly they are busy doing though. I expect the store to be in tip-top condition, but it’s cluttered. One sale’s associate in the shoe section was left in charge of organizing the shoe section and running a registrar- rumor has it multi-tasking is impossible. I see three sales associates are in one area; one is practically running around trying to organize while the other two openly gock at how little someone else had done. The two criticizing ladies just stand there, loudly voicing their disappointment. On a positive note, two ladies in customer service work together to appear ‘buddy-buddy’ with two unhappy customers who are returning something. The associates talk in such a way that appeal to the customers to gain their trust- the customers left with a smile.


<3 ShainaRene'

Secular Students & Strippers

I’ve been considering a few places for my English report: the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) or a strip club (I AM 18 and there is at least one 18+ club that I can access regularly).

The SSA interests me because while they did offend me at their K-Week Campus Ruckus booth, I would like to see them outside of when they are trying to get attention and mock my faith. I would like to set aside my emotions and observe the group to see the similarities/differences from any other activist club. However, since I am already established in my personal faith, it will be a personal stretch to not become offended. I’m sure my presence will be noticed; if they begin a discussion with me (if I’m just listening it’s unlikely to bother me. I do enjoy listening to people’s personal view on topics such as religion) on the topic of religion I’ll be SO outnumbered. [Personally I can handle it unless they all attack at once….and I think they will.]

I’m also considering a strip club. This interests me because I would like to observe the personal interactions between workers and customers (not the dirty stuff, but how they act, appear to feel, observing body language, etc). I’ve wanted to do this on my own for a while now; this class will just encourage me to go all out! I’d also like to know more about the dancer’s personal lives, the ‘regulars’ personal lives, and the groups of newcomers in the space.

<3 ShainaRene'

Quotes-Religion, fast-food, and social media.

“Economic citizens act politically by making critical choices as consumers and producers, by buying or refusing to buy…” -Mathieu 

This reminds me of the debate over Chick-Fila...BUT I shall not give a rant or anything of that sort on here, however, I will say I see both sides. I don't see Chick-Fila as being an 'anti-gay' establishment but an establishment that was created by a Christian. They support Christian organizations who are for biblical-marriage (I love this part of English- the ability to give things negative or positive connotation. Not the point.) I didn't start eating there until the big ordeal went down, but I didn't stop eating McDonald's because they are for it. I just had no interest in chicken because I had it EVERY OTHER DAY IN MY LIFE due to the awesome public school system. I decided to try Chick-Fila during the time of the ordeal because he stood up for his beliefs in the face of a possible financial loss. He didn't conform to society due to peer pressure.

Also, I found out that with every kid's meal you get an ice dream cone.

So worth it. 

 

"We are living in an isolation that would have been unimaginable to our ancestors, and yet we have never been more accessible" -Marche

This makes me think about a car commercial where the daughter is on Facebook enjoying her internet-based social life, but she worries about her mother's emotional well-being because she has only "50 friends"! The mother, however, is off having a GRAND OLE time in her new vehicle in the wonderful outdoors. While it was only a commercial, the body language and facial expressions of the two ladies were vastly different. The mother had life and excitement in her eyes while the daughter had none! The daughter's body was curled up, lonely.

 <3 ShainaRene'