As yet another indicator of the power of the WalMart chain, the fact that the company is retiring its ubiquitous blue vests is headline news for all kinds of media outlets. It's reported that getting rid of the vest is part of the Company's campaign to update its image.

Will anyone miss the blue vest? Doubtful. It's a good idea actually. Can you think of any cutting-edge company that has kept the same uniform for 20+ years? WalMart is moving to what seems to be the new world-favored professional uniform of polo shirt and khaki pants. From a corporate image that may help in employee presentation. The vests could not do enough for an employee who was inappropriately dressed for work in a retail environment. Plus the vests got a little sad and tired looking after many washings.

I like the idea of an identifiable "uniform" item in a retail store. It helps the customer identify who works there. Plus it helps establish some decorum with employees who don't always make appropriate fashion choices. I do not have to go into detail. You all know what I mean- you've seen it with your own eyes.

A retail store "uniform" doesn't have to be a polo and khakis (PLEASE! I am polo-ed and khaki'd out). A great looking and functional apron is just as good. If you do require a certain clothing item, consider providing at least three of those to each employee.  One to wear, one in the wash and a spare. Don't make them pay for something they have to wear to work (deductible or not).

Think about the apron idea. Sturdy butcher aprons out of a fabric that doesn't wrinkle are nice. You can get them embroidered with your logo even. And, you only need one apron per employee, they can even hang them up before they leave the store.

I'm off to the GASC show in Chantilly, Virginia for a few days. That will be me with the humidity-volume hair, black polo shirt and of course... khakis- Beth