Wattles is responding to something that the entire industry has ignored for many years. When CC decided to cut the commissioned sales staff, it was the second of many moves that started their decline. (The first was when the appliance department was eliminated, cutting more consumer exposure by lack of a category). Replacing these employees with non-motivated clerks, that got their credentials via "open book" testing did not enhance their position with the consumer's confidence. Cutting the floor management staff, made for more indecision.

Over-all the decision to try to emulate Best Buy, after they had spent years conditioning the buying public that a trip to CC would be one of education and smart choices, aided primarily by the well trained and motivated sales department. This coupled with the reputation of customer satisfaction with both product and service is a tough environment to change. The consumer became disenchanted with the new CC and decided their loyalty was not valued. CC is under the microscope because of its' size and economic impact, when in reality, we have seen the same scenario repeated across the country many times in smaller companies that have not had the deep pockets to survive its mistakes.

If Wattles is smart he will not only look to put experience in the "Golden Thrones" but show the American consumer that the days of old do not have to be forgotten when it comes to customer service, satisfaction and a empathetic sales force.

Wattles is right for wanting to change the current operations of Circuit City. New logos, shirts and small foot print stores are nice but they''re not doing the job. How many of you have been to a Circuit City lately? Notice how it''s hard to find an employee to help you. Then you''re met with the "oh, that''s not my department...." If you like that kind of service, knock yourself out. Ultimate Electronics had the best customer service in town when they were in the DFW market. My proof - my 10k home theater. I would never spend that much money at Best Buy much less Circuit City. The only level Best Buy could compete with them was on an exact SKU level price. I would love to see Wattles change Circuit City and expand the Ultimate Electronics name and customer service. If he did that, I would dump shopping at Best Buy in a minute. Side note, I''m a rewards members and I''d be willing to give up my membership points to have Ultimate Electronics back in the DFW market.

Richard Sharp? PLEASE! He was the guy in the late 90s after the DVD format was agreed upon (unlike blu-ray and HD DVD) at the 11th hour and agreed with Hollywood Lawyers (great bunch) to come up with Divx. Remember that? He also hired McCollough who got rid of Circuit City's uniqueness - experienced, commissioned salespeople. And THEN they got rid of major appliances, the cash cow of electronics/appliance retailers! Schoonover is not blameless, but he took the wrong job at the wrong time, and mismanaged a bit. (I'm being kind.) Circuit City has done more for independent CE/majap retailers than any buying group in the past decade!

Zippo-
I applaud your ferver, however you should get a solid grasp of basic communication skills before you venture upon leading a multi-billion dollar public company.

I Believe that Circuit should find and hire Richard Sharp back, hire better employees go back to a performance based pay system to keep the employees from standing there. Try to develope a plan where Best Buy is not their chief competitor. I remember when Best Buy was just coming on the scene everybody scrambled to be like them saying that they would have to to compete this is not true. Be Better not the same