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| CANADA'S SOURCE FOR FENG SHUI HUMOUR, PARODY, AND SATIRE
BENSON'S QUALITY FURNITURE-- The ancient art of Feng Shui, the classical custom of controlling the essences of life, is a natural part of the Chinese way of life. Traditionally used in the design of homes, Feng Shui is now being used in the showroom of Benson's Quality Furniture, helping channel positive life energies to improve business.
Sales representative Calvin Chen is using the environmental science to create a harmonious system in the workplace. Chen has reorganized the 15,000 sq. ft showroom to maximize the flow of chi, and synchronize the Five Elements. "Using traditional Chinese techniques, I am increasing the harmony of our furniture displays," explained Calvin. "We will prosper, and so will my commission cheques." "When I first started here two months ago the original layouts were destructive, and the imbalance of energies was affecting sales," said Calvin. "I examined the lines and noticed that there was a straight line from the entrance to the customer's bathroom. That's a bad sign. The bedroom sets were also inhibiting the flow of chi; but after I rearranged them there is a now a soft flow that carries over to the futons and recliners." "Several people questioned my sanity at first," admitted Calvin, "but sales have gone up and everyone feels better. It just goes to show that Feng Shui can be applied not only to the home but also to the retail sector, including furniture warehouses." Other sales representatives at Benson's Quality Furniture are less enthusiastic about Calvin's philosophical approach. "Every time we get new displays, Chen will spend up to three days getting the energies flowing right," said Walter Raleigh, who is the senior salesman on the floor. "He'll move the dining room hutches to the wall, then arrange the armchairs next to the sofas, before deciding they need to be next to the end tables." "I sometimes I think that Chen doesn't want us to sell any furniture. He gets really upset if anything is moved." Even Calvin's boss is skeptical. "He can spend all the time he wants harmonizing the life force," said John Beres, store manager, "but I'm not paying him any overtime. If he doesn't like it, he can flow himself right out the front door." Calvin is unperturbed. A nurturing sales environment starts with "tranquil spaces," he believes, and in order to harmonize the nine elements of life certain steps have to be taken. "We all want to be successful," explained Calvin. "All the clutter and chaotic disorganization we had before led to an awful yin/yang combination--kind of like mixing oil and water. It's fine for a salad dressing, but do you want to work in that? Even though we work in a furniture warehouse that doesn't mean we can ignore how wood, fire, earth, metal and water need to be in balance to create the perfect environment for success. When I removed those awful prints from the wall I believe I also removed certain problems from our work lives--and made room for something new and desirable to enter--like more customers." Calvin's
next plan is to install a water fountain next to the dining room suites.
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