Leaving at your prime can be the best time - employee mandatory furlough programs - Buyers & Sellers - Column

Discount Store News, Oct 18, 1993 by Don Longo

The shocking retirement earlier this month of National Basketball Association superstar Michael Jordan would seems to have few implications for the world of retailing--beyond the future of sneaker sales.

Nevertheless, there is a link between Jordan and many retail executives. Like great athletes, superstar retailers have to be very aggressive to be successful. Most retailers I know work unbelievably long hours, and some travel constantly, putting a tremendous burden on their home life. They also work with an otherworldly intensity and at an extremely fast pace.

Many people found it difficult to understand why Jordan would hang up his Nikes while not only at the peak of his career, but still as the undisputed best player in the game. Forget about Michael's complaints about the media spotlight. That's been part of the territory for every successful athlete for a long time. I think he just decided to walk away on his own terms, while still young and healthy enough to enjoy life.

And that's something everyone, especially retailers, should appreciate. Sam Walton, the Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth of retailing never could walk away from his life's business, despite trying several times. I remember talking to a retired district manager for a large national discount chain a few years ago. He was 48 years old and had the credentials for running a business of over a billion dollars. "I loved what I was doing," he said. "But, after a while you've got to put things in perspective. I was on the road constantly. I just decided it was time to enjoy other aspects of my life," from his ranch in Texas.

Some innovative businesses like Apple Computers and men's apparel specialty discounter Men's Wearhouse have mandatory furlough programs to allow their people to recharge their batteries. More companies should follow suit.

Jordan--if he doesn't "unretire" some day--will be a rarity, like my father's biggest hero, boxing champion Rocky Marciano, or football great Jim Brown. These athletes didn't hang around until their skills faded. They will always be remembered as they were in their prime. That's really special.