Milwaukee's Daily Magazine Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008
Today
Hi: 30
Lo: 19
Tue
Hi: 32
Lo: 30
Wed
Hi: 37
Lo: 19
Section Sponsor
Article Tools
Print this Article
Make text larger
In Marketplace
Seven questions for the Whole Foods concierge
Whole Foods concierge Emily Schnadt answers your questions.
By Jeff Sherman RSS Feed
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

E-mail author | Author bio
More articles by Jeff Sherman

Published Feb. 28, 2007 at 5:25 a.m.
Tags: whole foods, emily schnadt, comment cards, suggestion box, cow bell, grocery stores, east side

Ever wonder who replies to all of those comments and suggestions at the Whole Foods on Milwaukee's East Side. An intern maybe? Maybe the store's general manager? A committee of experts? Nope, it's one individual. Her name is Emily Schnadt.

Schnadt, the Milwaukee Whole Foods store concierge, started at the company in 2001 at its Boulder location. She's originally from Illinois, but "loves Milwaukee."

"The people are so friendly and welcoming; and there are so many wonderful places to check out and fun things to do," says Schnadt.

Schnadt recently took time out to answer a few questions.

OMC: How many comments does the store get daily/weekly?

Emily Schnadt: Daily one to five, weekly seven to 30.

OMC: What type of training does a Whole Foods concierge need?

E.S.: I have a background in herbal medicine and nutrition, but the common thread amongst other concierges is a passion for natural and organic products, and most importantly, in serving our customers. This position necessitates an expansive interest in our business and products. I am constantly learning more in order to better help our customers.

OMC: Do you answer them all?

E.S.: I sure do!

OMC: What's the strangest request that you've received?

E.S.: I don't think any requests are strange. However, I did receive two comments on the same day: One requesting that we stop playing rock 'n roll music and the other praising us for playing rock 'n roll. I receive some comments that were written to make me laugh and they do! Like, "More Cowbell!"

OMC: What's the most asked question?

E.S.: That varies. Around our store opening, we had a lot of comments for bike racks and baby changing tables-which we have installed. Now it is mostly product requests.

OMC: Any mean ones?

E.S.: We receive a lot of comments that rave about our store, our products and our customer service. However, there are times when something happens that we need to address. We embrace our customers' passion for our business and will do everything in our power to meet their needs.

OMC: Here's a suggestion from me, where's the juice bar?

E.S.: As a region, we are not building juice bars into our stores. We still offer vegetable juices, smoothies and wheatgrass juice throughout our Grocery and Produce departments. Next time you are in the store, I can show you these products!



More Information ...
Whole Foods Market
2305 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 223-1500
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Related links:

3 comments about this article.
Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by Preview
concierge Hello, Alba! We have our store specials on-line at www.wholefoods.com, click ...
frogface I'm from chicago and make special trips to milwaukee just to visit the whole ...
alba How about a weekly mailer that includes your sales and specials?



Reader Poll
Where's the best neighborhood to buy a house or condo in Milwaukee?
East Side
178 (16.4%)
Bay View
258 (23.8%)
Downtown
142 (13.1%)
Riverwest
53 (4.9%)
Wauwatosa
120 (11.1%)
Brookfield/Waukesha
107 (9.9%)
Shorewood/Whitefish Bay
116 (10.7%)
Other
109 (10.1%)

Total Votes: 1083
Archived polls
Post your comment!