How long have you been working in this company?
In May, it will be eleven years.
Did you start as a saleswoman?
From the beginning, I have been a manager here. Previously, there were other groceries in these premises where I worked as a saleswoman. Then Milk-Agro took over, and I was hired as a store manager.
Is the store space the same as at the beginning?
No, since then, there have been two renovations. The first was about four years after opening. There was a big pub next door. During the renovation, the shared wall was broken down, and both spaces were combined. So we got a more spacious store.
Were the premises expanded?
At the end of last year, the second renovation took place. The original storage spaces were canceled, new ones were built, and the sales area expanded by the former storage area. The store changed significantly; it used to be small and cramped. Also, a parking lot with three parking spaces was created for customers.
The enlarged sales area means a wider assortment and more customers...
Definitely, there is a wider assortment. But at the same time, because it is now more spacious, it is also clearer.
How did customers react to this change?
Very positively. They praise that it is spacious, that the aisles are not cramped, and they can move comfortably throughout the store.
Do you think more people come now or make bigger purchases?
I cannot assess now if there are more people. We have nearby competition that opened about the same time as we did after renovation. At first, some customers left us, but now we see that they are coming back. And even new ones are coming, which makes us very happy. They say they like it here and are also attracted by our dairy products.
Did customers know in advance that there would be a renovation?
They knew. It was closed here for a month, and they were already asking when we would finally open. The renovation was supposed to last two weeks, but since it is an old building, it got a bit complicated. It extended to a month. And when we opened, customers were happy. We put up a big poster with information about the reopening.
When did you reopen?
December 1. We still caught the pre-Christmas time. Even now, people come and are surprised how much it has changed here.
What precedes the decision to renovate?
I think when management sees some potential in a particular store, they decide to invest in it.
You mentioned a larger assortment. What was added?
Completely new is chilled poultry. People really appreciate it. Thanks to the larger space, we could place more display cases for our dairy products, which are the basis for our customers. And other segments that got more space are drugstore items, bread, pastries, and especially fruit and vegetables.
How often do you "rearrange"?
Often. Since the renovation, it is about the fifth time. Sometimes we put something out but realize it does not fit. So we have to rearrange. It is a living process. Even now, we added three new shelves, so we had to think about what and how to rearrange. It just has to please the eye. I have a creative team here, so we agree and go for it...
Do you have a system, for example, that what people buy every day should be furthest from the door so they look around in the meantime?
It is not as much here as in big retail chains where they have much bigger spaces and possibilities. But yes, there is some strategy. Especially regarding goods on special offer, we place them in positions where customers will definitely notice them.
What are your opening hours?
We open at half past five. People who go to work early in the morning really appreciate it because they can shop in the morning. It has proven successful.
What message do you have for your customers?
First of all, I want to thank them for being our customers; we really appreciate it. And we will try to create conditions so that they are maximally satisfied and gladly return to us. So dear customers, we look forward to seeing you in our renovated premises.
Thank you for the interview
