The renovation of the Milk-Agro store on Fučíkova Street in Prešov lasted just under a month. The interior spaces were modified, the product range for customers was expanded, and the store's exterior facade also changed. The store manager Mrs. Beáta Vancová and her deputy Mrs. Veronika Dudeková talk about it.
What all was renovated?
Beáta Vancová: The total store area increased. We added display cases, have completely new shelves, and stands from suppliers.
Veronika Dudeková: We expanded services for our customers with fresh bakery baking. Every morning, the whole store smells of the unique aroma of fresh bakery products. We offer classic rolls, filled delicate pastries, or buttery croissants. Customers who crave cakes also find their favorites. Coconut hedgehogs with literally fluffy, delicate dough are a success.
By adding display cases, did you also expand the product range?
B. V.: The added display cases mainly helped us with the clarity of the offered goods. The new refrigeration equipment is sufficiently large, allowing us to store especially SABI products more clearly. We arranged them in tasteful baskets. Buyers can clearly see from three meters where the butter is, where the Sabinov curd cheese is, or the popular curd.
V. D.: The added sales area also motivated our suppliers to place display cases for chilled drinks here, which customers especially like to reach for during the summer months.
And what did customers appreciate the most after the store reopened?
B. V.: Especially after that short month, they were happy that we opened again. You know, our store has been at this location for quite a long time and naturally has its regular clientele. People living nearby come to us at least once a day, some even several times. We have customers whose lives we know about, what troubles them, where their children study, their successes and disappointments. Simply like in any normal family.
And what do you consider most important after the renovation?
B. V.: Our store gained a lot from the renovation. We widened the aisles between shelves, added boxes for frozen products, added so-called "grab baskets," in which our buyers often find inspiration, for example, for preparing a simple and financially interesting lunch. What I want to emphasize is our parking lot in front of the store, which brought us new customers.
V. D.: Yes, people appreciate that they can shop in the store and often make larger purchases because they know they can comfortably take them with a shopping cart directly to the car.
Our store is well visible, also thanks to prominent advertising from the main road, and when customers see enough parking space, as the saying goes: No need to think twice!
Did the monthly renovation also allow the store team a longer vacation?
B. V.: Vacation as vacation. We were all available. Our managers consulted with us about the future layout of the store equipment and also helped finalize advertising signs, the size, and placement of labels for different parts of the store. You know, I have been working at Milk-Agro for 23 years, so I have learned a lot and identified with the company's ideas. One of the most important is customer satisfaction, and I strive for that daily with the whole team.
