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BILL FISHMAN

Bill Fishman & Affiliates

11650 lberia Place

San Diego, Ca.92128

I OF. Samutin was passing through lf Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, Ca.) and stopped in my office. We talked about innovations in store layouts. "My local Ace store is becoming a better place to shop," I mentioned to Joe. "l don't know whether their motivation to change was the new competition in San Diego, my negative remarks in last year's column, or just a time that had come. Whatever, nice things are happening at RB Hardware."

"What's different about it?" Joe asked.

"The merchandise mix is probably the same and I don't believe the pricing structure has changed much. What rs changing, however, is enough to make me, as a d-i-yer, rethink my shopping decisions. The store hours have been extended. The store is now still open when I close my office. I can shop on the way home from work. There appears to be more help available and I think they mean it when they ask 'can I help you?' Most importantly the physical layout has been restructured featuring a trafTic loop. You are right on, Joe. Aracetrack layout works much better than I thought it would in a small store."

"What else?" probed Joe.

"The new colors are pleasant. the graphics are in proportion to the store size and don't overshadow the merchandise. The merchandise is the message. I am assuming that the signing package is on the way to complete the reformatting."

"Has their volume increased?" Joe inquired.

"l don't know the management at all, so I can't answer that question, but it's sure obvious that these chanses are hav- ing a magical effect on the store. Because it's easier to spot their merchandise, it appears there is more selection. The merchandise even looks more attractive in the new surroundings and because things are easier to find, there are obviously less demands on the store help. Morale seems better. The sales help shows more patience with customers. Let's have lunch at the Inn and then I'll show vou the store," I suggested.

"Great," said Joe.

I devoured my Cobb salad and waited for Joe to finish his California fruit plate and we headed for the store. Joe's immediate reaction was, "They sure have a lot of merchandise in a small space and they seem to have the pulse ofthe neighborhood. The prices are in line. Good use of the end caps too. If they rotate the merchandise presentation often, this could be an exciting local store." We watched the traffic for awhile.

"l hope they included a budget for promotion in their planning," I quipped. "They have got to get the message to residents about their transformation to win back some of the customers now sharing the Home Club and Home Depot."

During the drive back to the office Joe suggested, "Write your next column about the remodeling."

Good idea, Joe!

GARY L. SMITH executive vice oresident

EDECPNTLY an LMA member called I lthe office to report an OSHA inspection resulting in fines for several deficiencies. This member's impression that OSHA intends to make a more concentrated effort on lumberyards in the near future was denied by an official I talked with at the agency's San Jose office, but the possibility that your yard may be the next one to be "randomlY selected" still exists. It may also be of interest to California dealers that FedOSHA has added 150 compliance Personnel in this state to take up the slack lelt with Cal-oSHA's cutbacks.

For what it's worth, I'll relate to you some of the deficiencies they found. Dealers in California have for several years been told by Cal-OSHA inspectors that the lower guard on a radial arm saw is unnecessary, and possibly even hazar- dous. Our member was "written up" on their inspection because the guard was missing. It seems federal regulations require one, and since that's who is now charged with enforcement, their rules must apply. They were also fined lor having no tongue guard on the grinder. Empty acetylene and oxygen bottlesstored and waiting to be refilledcost them a few more dollars. Remember that portable fire extinguisher around the corner? It's not enough to have them inspected and re-charged annuallyl most are supposed to be visually inspected monthly. It won't help you to say you've done it unless the tags are initialed during these "self checks." lf there are sullicient other violations the final insult will be a fine for not having your OSHA notice posted. If you don't have one, call your nearest OSHA office or LMA. We picked up a few just in case.

You've read plenty about Haz-Com recently, but a few details reported by an OSHA representative at a recent LMA meeting in Sacramento might be useful.

Bob Joyce oIOSHA

says:

1) Haz-Com compliance will merelY be among the items inspected; not an inspection in itselL

2) The presence of a compliance manual such as the one available through LMA and the other federated lumber associations will go a long way in convincing an inspector that you are attempting to comply. He said it's the best he's seen.

3) Retailers should be posting signs informing "commercial customers" that Material SafetY Data Sheets on potentially hazardous products are available. Commercial customers is in quotes because he was not able to define the term flor us.

F'inally, a word to the wise regarding California regulations. Because they are not presently being enforced will not be of much comfort to you if a disgruntled employee or even a person off the street decides to sue. Your best bet is to comply as best you can, or as we used to say"Protect Thy Derriere."

Call (714) 852-1990