If they bothered to put that merchandise in the tool section then even the most braindead employees could likely find them. But inventory for a sale/special/etc, or a new product? That gets put wherever they have room. Their normal inventory gets put with the tools. That thing Allan mentioned about how these new Makitas were stocked “three isles away from the tools”? I’ve experienced exactly that. Second is that HD treats merchandise for specials/sales differently than their normal stock inventory. In my opinion there are two aspects to the problem: first is that most HD employees are not knowledgeable, nor do they really care about finding the product you are looking for. In fact this has happened to me on four separate occasions. I have had very similar problems to what Allan described trying to buy both Dewalt and Milwaukee tools at Home Depot. I also feel that that store disrespected the hell out of Makita by not even giving a damn to even set up a simple promotional display that every other store has had up for over 2 months. i got my saw and am stoked at it’s performance which is exactly the opposite of how I feel about HD and their employees lack of knowledge. It was accompanied by a couple random Makita tools. I found a battery across the store, on some racks against the front if the store where the seasonal stuff ends up. packed up on a pallet 3 aisles away from the tools, up on the top shelf. I immediately asked for a manager, I showed him the stock on the website and upon asking some questions to other employees, we found the tools…. He stated to me that “Makita does not make a 40v”. The 3rd store I went to, that was In the area my job was in, had no 40v display up but the website claimed they had them in stock so I asked an employee that worked in the tool department about the 40v and where they all were. 2 stores could not find the batteries although their stock said they had them. It took me 3 different stores to finally get what wanted. 40v won and Home Depot’s promo was giving away a free battery with the purchase of one. I had been debating in another x2 or xtg. All my 18v stuff had been stolen along with my x2 saw and sawzall. Good leadership could certainly turn things round. It is my opinion that Okada will also have to convince Makita’s corporate leadership to invest more heavily in the USA market than they can expect to get out in the short term.Īn industry insider recently opined to me that Makita USA is “a dead brand.” While I would agree that Makita USA bungled their marketing in recent years, I don’t think their situation is hopeless. Makita USA has proved that tools don’t automagically sell themselves.Īs President and CEO of Makita USA, Okada will be tasked with steering their local marketing, sales, and support efforts – once he stops the ship from sinking. Makita’s North America segment represents a roughly 15% share of their global revenue, but contributes significantly lower reported earnings. Okada describes the USA as “the most competitive power tool market in the world.”Īccording to Makita’s public financial statements, Makita North America earns a slight profit most years, and they reported a loss in 2 of the past 5 years. No matter how talented a leader Okada might be, there’s no quick “undo” or “reset” button that he can press. Because of this, there’s a limit as to the impact Okada can be expected to have with respect to things like innovation.
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