More concern for alcoholics than loss of jobs for non alcoholics apparently.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/finance/markets/the-dark-reason-liquor-stores-are-considered-essential-businesses/ar-BB12VvPw
Gee, there's an idea to elevate a brand that was put on life support by being bought at fire sale price, how about garnering tons of positive media PR by putting it out there that....
We're donating X amount of Mother's Day profits to local food pantries in the state of our corporate HQ.
We're donating X amount of Mother's Day profits to local Illinois social services agency (insert potential name here) in our state where we maintain corporate HQ.
Can you just imagine the FREE press this would generate as media outlets sought to get a brief comment or two to run during segments on "Doing business while doing good during COVID-19"?
If furloughs turn into permanent layoffs because the marketing geniuses are not contemplating obviously helpful PR scenarios, then you know, if Nexus Capital bought the wrong company, then it's a shame. It's sad. Missing out on such obvious opportunities.
Meanwhile, at Salesforce, the coolest CEO in the entire USA, Marc Benioff, is out there elevating his brand during the pandemic.
https://news.yahoo.com/forced-pause-pandemic-metallica-lars-170006722.html
Any CEO who puts mindfulness meditation areas on each floor, writes books on how business can be profitable and do social good at the same time and hangs with rock legends Metallica is arguably amongst the coolest, most forward thinking leaders in America.
Look at the constant positive PR! Salesforce is a magnet for the media. They could be just another tech company known for quality products, but because of their values, they are bigger than just what they sell.
Also, because they have this amazing reputation (as an awesome place to work, as concerned about social welfare, etc.), they are now talent magnets. The best and the brightest want to work for them. This creates a positive feedback loop, where they look good, so this attracts top tier talent, which then boosts the brand on every metric, from quality to efficiency to employee engagement and morale. You can't search "Marc Benioff" without turning up all kinds of good press.
FTD however? Bankruptcy, furloughs and a major missed opportunity to have a BETTER VALUE PROPOSITION than Teleflora and 1-800-Flowers during critical Mother's Day selling season. Imagine the headlines: FTD emerges from bankruptcy with new ownership, new leadership and is donating X percent of profits from every sale to....The Greater Chicago Food Depository!
https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/05/07/greater-chicago-food-depository-sees-60-jump-in-those-seeking-food-assistance/
Amazon is doing it! They deliver flowes, too!
https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/amazon-donates-200-000-greater-chicago-food-depository
And this isn't even rocket science. Where's the press about what FTD is doing to be a socially responsible corporate citizen.
Such a missed opportunity at a critical time for the brand. If this brand does not succeed, it will be over much more than just COVID-19's business impact.
If in six months, it seems clear that Nexus Capital bought the wrong company, then it's a shame. That it was entirely unavoidable might just drive one to drink.