To the editor:
Thanks, Andrew Blechman, for the Valentine’s Day article “U R FAMOUS” about our stash-o-Sweethearts. You captured the zeitgeist of being a kid in a candy shop!
Thanks also to our community for the enthusiastic support as we have grown into a destination for residents and visitors alike. We appreciate each of our guests, whether popping in for a handful of licorice or volunteering as “extras ” during a production of “Barefoot Contessa.”
We are writing to address several comments posted after publication.
Since opening in 2004, it has been our privilege to work with local students, many of whom experience their first paid employment as members of the Robin’s team. These young people often return summer after summer through high school and college. In the 15 years since opening our first shop, we have maintained cordial ties with many of our Robin’s alumni and have been thrilled to welcome them back with their own children now in tow!
We are also honored to partner with local school internship programs and Massachusetts youth training initiatives. It is a joy to work with students eager to explore business ownership. As several readers noted in their comments, retail sales is challenging. Agreed! However, few experiences compare in terms of building a “tool box” that equips our children with the skills needed to communicate effectively, sell ideas persuasively, develop a solid work ethic and thrive under pressure.
Our on-boarding is rigorous. We are proud of our training program. It has been honed by our team members.
Completing the training program is a source of pride among our staff. As a business owner, I work diligently to ensure team members understand why we do what we do. Setting standards and expecting the best of our team may earn me the title of “demanding,” but this is not synonymous with “difficult.”
We engage our team members as partners and expect “pride of ownership.” Our team is expected to maintain a professional demeanor, including adherence to a dress code and hygiene standards consistent with a public-facing sales position working with food products in a family-focused environment.
Our team strives to provide exceptional service and a genuinely enjoyable experience to each guest.
In keeping with setting a high bar, all team members earn well in excess of minimum wage. Full-time staff are paid a living wage and are offered a comprehensive benefit package including insurance, bonus and paid time off. We invest in our team because it’s the right thing to do.
In closing, we appreciate the opportunity to address the reader comments. We look forward to bringing sweets, treats and smiles to many future generations in Great Barrington. We invite all Edge readers, including those with remaining concerns, to stop in, tell us about your favorite candy memory, and get to know us (we’re saving a few Sweethearts for you!)
Respectfully,
Robin Helfand
Great Barrington
The writer is the owner of Robin’s Candy Shop
