SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwire - Sep 13, 2011) - Fierce, Inc., a world-class leadership development and training company that drives results for businesses by developing conversation as a skill, today announced that it has significantly expanded its programs across the retail sector throughout the first half of 2011. In August, long-time Fierce client and major multi-national retailer Crate and Barrel expanded its Fierce programs to include both Fierce Conversations and Fierce Accountability as part of its professional development curriculum for store managers and call center quality assurance professionals. This expansion comes on the heels of several recent retail client wins, including Costco, Aeropostale, and retail distribution logistics provider HAVI Global.

Good communication is critical to the success of retailers. Not only do store executives, store managers, and employees need to be able to communicate effectively with each other, they must also be able to communicate with customers, often under difficult circumstances. As the economy is recovering and moving into the holiday season, the importance of strong communication becomes increasingly apparent. Retailers need to develop strategies for dealing with internal and external issues to gain new insight and leverage the opportunities ahead.

Crate and Barrel has long understood the critical importance of good communication and the role employee development plays in that. Since the first location opened in Chicago, Crate and Barrel has been committed to the training, development and advancement of its executives, managers, and sales and customer service associates, and credits its longstanding success to this investment. As the company has grown rapidly both in terms of locations and its online presence, maintaining the same commitment to training has been a challenge.

"Crate and Barrel chose Fierce because it provides top-notch communication skills training that enables all levels of associates to engage in more productive and direct dialogue," said Louella St. Ville. "Many programs offer good tools, but we settled on Fierce because it works quickly and cost-effectively. Fierce also aligns with Crate and Barrel's long-standing culture of dignity and respect that has made the company an anomaly in the retail industry -- a retailer with associate longevity and low turnover."

In addition to expanding its programs with Crate and Barrel, Fierce has seen strong growth across the retail sectors as companies from clothing stores to retail distribution providers look for ways to engage employees, increase productivity, and improve the bottom line. During the first half of 2011, global retailers including Aeropostale, HAVI Global, and Costco have all implemented or increased Fierce training in order to accomplish these goals.

"Everyone I've spoken with is excited about the next session and eager to learn more. I have searched to find someone who has some skepticism and I have yet to find anyone. This is very thrilling for me!" said Kelly Paine, Manager, Accounting Systems Design and Development, at Costco. "I am so taken with this content that my hope is for us to continue to bring it into our culture by including every division in the training to help us create a fundamental shift in the way we communicate and build relationships across the organization."

"In the retail industry, success at every level -- from the C-Suite to the sales floor -- depends heavily on the ability to interact and communicate candidly and openly," said Halley Bock, CEO of Fierce. "At Fierce, we believe that authentic conversations and collaboration can transform any interaction, whether it's between an executive and a sales associate, or a sales associate and a customer, getting to the root of what people and the business need in order to succeed."

For more information on Fierce, Inc., visit http://www.fierceinc.com or connect with the company via the contact page.

About Fierce
Fierce, Inc. is a leadership development and training company that drives results for business and education by developing conversation as a skill. Fierce creates authentic, energizing and rewarding connections with colleagues and customers through skillful conversations that lead to successful outcomes and measurable ROI. Tailored to any organization, Fierce principles and methods translate across the globe, ensure individual and collective success and develop skills that are practical, easy-to-learn and can be applied immediately. Fierce, Inc. is certified as a Women-Owned Business by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and the Astra Women's Business Alliance. Please find us in Seattle and online at www.fierceinc.com.