In Košice, in the Šaca district, after extensive reconstruction, the Milk – Agro store reopened in May this year. We talked about the changes and renovated store premises with the store manager, Mrs. Ing. Irina Slotová.
How long have you been in Šaca?
About 17 years. But the premises where the Milk – Agro store is now were previously used as grocery store premises. It was a classic store, people were used to shopping here. Then other stores appeared in the area and we had tough times. Sales noticeably dropped. We fought for almost half a year, tried and invented anything. You know, when sales drop, ... but it was worth it.
Half a year is a long time, it must have been difficult. How did you manage to turn it around?
We looked for possibilities. We tried to arrange special discounts on selected goods for our store. It was about ideas and not giving up. And it turned out that customers appreciated mainly unbeatable discounts. Everyone knows that competition must and is in almost everything, but you have to look for where we can have advantages and where to progress. You always have to do something, try something. Simply, not give up, even if it seems impossible.
And what helped the most?
The quality of our products, wide assortment, constant promotions, and staff willingness helped. The customer appreciates when you take care of them, advise them, and solve their problem (laughs). Our creativity got maximum space, for example, we currently offer the possibility of gift basket wrapping. We try to accommodate the customer, even if they come in the afternoon and urgently need something, we respond flexibly, call our suppliers, and provide what they need. The skillfulness of store management is also important; the company itself offers enough promotions. It depends on how quickly and entrepreneurially the store management and the whole team react and what they offer the customer. Also, having enough goods is an important fact. The customer expects that when there is a promotion, the goods are available, not that they have to wait for them. And in the end, discounts that are attractive and customers respond to them also do their part.
You reopened the store after reconstruction. What was the reason for modernizing this operation?
Since Milk – Agro took over the premises, no major changes have been made here. And Milk – Agro strives for continuous improvement of operations, which includes improving store premises. Customers expect that too. I know that not everything can be done at once, so I am glad that our store got into the reconstruction schedule.
We assume customers reacted positively to the reconstruction...
Customer feedback is very important to us. And it was positive. All the time the store was closed, people peeked through the windows, were curious about what was being done. They asked when we would open and what would be new... And when we reopened on May 3, we were surprised by the number of customers who literally rushed to us. We saw that they were happy and satisfied. Customers see that the total store area has not increased, but because we have new shelves designed differently, the aisles are freer, more spacious. They feel more cultured, the change is visible.
Did something new appear after the reconstruction?
The butcher's shop added grilled chicken offer. And that attracted more buyers. When a customer walks through the store, the smell of fresh bread is replaced by the smell of chicken and immediately they feel better.
Thank you for the interview
