We’d arrived early at Broome airport for a special meeting ‘at the top of Australia,’ and a familiar face was there to greet us.
‘Come and stay with us at the house Charlie, we’re away tomorrow morning, first light but it’d be great if you could look after the house for a bit!’
Neither Sue or I had seen Rob or Gail for over 20 years and still there was still a special bond.
As dawn came next morning, sure enough, the 4wd diesel fired up and away the pair went on a three day share-drive to the other side of the country …
‘Keys to Gail’s car are hanging up Charlie, beer is in the ‘fridge. See you next time!’
Broome is a lovely place, tucked ‘out of the way’ at around 11 o’clock on the map of Australia. Dry heat during December, it’s good to stay by the pool if you can. Pretty soon though, Sue had ideas of a tour of the ‘retail offer’ and next day we made our way into ‘town.’
Later that evening we were where we should be – by the pool – and discussing the disappointment of what was the lack of quality retail within the town …
‘You need to get in to see Maeve…’ came the voice from over the fence.
Then a face appeared amongst the banana tree. ‘If Maeve can’t help you, no-one can.’
Next morning, after taking suitable directions from our neighbour we jumped in our borrowed charabanc and headed off in search of … ‘Maeve.’ (30c and 30 clicks!)
Ringing in the ears were the words:
It’s a trek, about 30 ‘clicks,’ mainly dirt but worth it. Just don’t stray off the track otherwise you’re in trouble … you’ll be shot or eaten or both!
Eventually and in one piece, we arrived at ‘Maeve’s Emporium.’
Stopping the car was easy, getting out a little more tedious. We’d parked just as two (rather large) dogs made their way – at speed – to inspect and direct the new arrivals toward the front porch.
Jim was pouring the Chablis accompanied by a shriek from Maeve … ‘make yourself at home, I’ll be there in a mo.’
I picked up the proffered glass, dear wife made her way inside the store.
We’d been there a while, Susan was browsing and content, the company was good and the wine proved a welcome respite to the heat. Lunch was served, Sue was selecting and I could see the visit to Maeve had been a good idea…
Some time later, chaperoned to our car by the aforementioned house-mutts. I turned and asked Maeve how she was able to have the dogs offer such a warm welcome?
‘Oh, easy, they learnt long-ago that if they looked after the customer they collected an extra treat.’
We said our goodbyes and by the time we’d made it home it occurred to me that Maeve had got ‘it’ just about right.
An exclusive offer to a chosen market, away from the main part of town. ‘Something’ for the discerning buyers looking for that special memento … at the ‘right price.’
Anyone shopping with Maeve was in for a memorable experience.
How do you make your customers feel? Are you offering a special experience?
