Minding the Store Paperback – August 31, 1997

I am now a 56-year-old man. I have been dressed by Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman since I was 5. I grew up in a very wonderful family. My mama was an only child and so am I. Mama and Dad if he wasn't working, we would go to Neiman's many times each year for new clothes because I kept growing VERY fast. I was blessed further by meeting "Mr. Stanley" and "Mr. Richard" as I grew up. On my 16th birthday, Mr. Stanley was just releasing "Quest for the Best" and I went down to the DT store and got my autographed book. This family made something out of nothing. and this book tells the first part of the story. It is a MUST-READ. I am addicted to living with style and beauty and class and there will NEVER be another store like this. If you are interested in how the finest store on the planet came to be----this is a MUST read. also, read Quest for the Best. I was very sad when the family sold the store and the Accounts Receivables (credit). As you can see from my photo, At the beginning of "InCircle" a person had to spend a certain amount and with every level you reached, you got a new card. I loved mine and have saved all of them. They diluted that program when anyone who opened a new account is already InCircle. But the book is a good read and when I get up to the Neiman Marcus (Heaven location) I hope a few of my ashes can be scattered on those beautiful terrazzo steps up into the Commerce Entrance which is my favorite spot in the world. Yes, I probably have an obsession but it's made my life a lot better.

Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus was my first job and even though I had read the book I wanted a copy to keep. Mr. Stanley Marcus was still alive and running the Neiman Marcus Business. I also knew mother, and at 19 years old I watched and learned so much from her. Now that it looks like the Mother store may not be Neimans for much longer I wanted memos of a wonderful place and people.

Worth the read for the vast accumulation of vocabulary, quotes, letters, and thoughtful insight. I greatly enjoyed reading Mr. Marcus' many tales in the history of fashion and his personal experience in retail/merchandising.Thank you to Tracy for the recommendation.

This book was a pleasant surprise. Based on the photo, there was no book jacket but was ok as the book was beautiful as is. When it arrived, there was a book cover AND it was autographed! As I was giving this as a gift, it was a pleasant surprised and better than I could imagine.

This is the story of the fabled Neiman Marcus specialty store in Dallas.From the point of view of Stanley Marcus we get to see the retail giant his father and aunt established and which he took over upon his father’s passing then passed to one of his son’s when he was ready to step back.The first 60% is mainly devoted to the history of the store.No sale is a good sale for the store unless it is a good but for the customer.That is the guiding principle of the store which is able to sell $25k fur coats and $30 dresses.They make no distinction between either of those customers and are just as likely to charter a plane to fix the problems of either client.Having worked in a family run business the most fascinating talk was of how they let family work their without them assuming any unearned authority.There are lots of great teachable moments for anyone that serves customers in this history of the store.Now the final bit wasn’t for me. It includes personal observations about which fashion designer’s are easy or hard to work with. Some history on the Dallas economy and teaching you how to collect art.That may apply to some people, but that wasn’t me.I’d read the first 60% again since I’m sure I’d pick up a bunch of other great tips on running a service based business.

I worked for Neiman’s for many years and it’s tuch in history. The story of Stanley Marcus and his principals is a great one for anyone in sales.

I have owned all the Stanley Marcus books for years, just bought this one to upgrade to a hardback. This review is mainly about the seller. The book was just as described and was shipped in a timely manner.About the book, if you are starting any kind of customer service business, you should get all his books and use them as your Bible. The customer always came first, something which is sadly lacking today at the big box stores. You can't believe the lengths and expense they went to to satisfy customers, but those customers then stuck with them for many years, sometimes their entire lives, spending millions. The same principles work no matter if the customer spends 10 dollars or 10 million!

A great chronicle of the beginnings of Neiman Marcus and its growth into a major US luxury department store. Full of insights from Stanley Marcus' experiences on the selling floor---an excellent addition to the education of any retailer and any business person for that matter