After several months, customers in Plaveč can once again buy the popular SABI products. We spoke with the store manager, Mrs. Mária Diňová, in the new, larger store premises.
Everything here smells of newness. When did you open?
On April 8, 2019. We are very happy about it because before, we were in cramped spaces and could not develop. Now we are in completely new premises, in a new building. And in a new location, not far from the original space near the church.
By how much has the sales area increased?
The store space has doubled. We have twice as many shelves, wide aisles for shopping carts, which besides shopping can also carry small children. The number of refrigerated display cases and freezer boxes has also multiplied, and we have expanded counters for vegetables and bakery products. Of course, the store's background facilities have also expanded, allowing us to improve the offer for our customers and maintain operational stock quantities.
What did customers appreciate the most after reopening?
Everyone praises that we increased the number of cash registers. That is the main change compared to the original space. Shopping now proceeds more smoothly and there are no queues. The second big thing they appreciate is the parking lot we have directly at the store. They can comfortably take their goods with a cart right to the car, load it, and leave peacefully.
You reopened after a longer break; did your customers remain loyal?
They reacted joyfully when we finally opened. They especially missed our SABI products, which they are used to. We often hear now that they find shopping easy because the products in the display cases, counters, or boxes are neatly arranged. We expanded the range of dairy products, adding, for example, milk for allergy sufferers. For young families, we expanded the offer of vegetables and fruits. The counters with bakery products and breads also gained their fans. Many working parents also appreciate the offer of meat and meat products, especially chilled poultry, from which they can quickly prepare a tasty dinner.
Has the store team remained unchanged?
Yes, the employees have stayed, and we have added part-time workers. During the reconstruction, we all worked at our stores where help was needed for various reasons. We are four saleswomen, trying to "pull together," which unites and drives us forward. We like new things, and once we get to know them, we immediately offer them to our customers. It is important for us that our customers feel good in our store and like to come to us.
Which SABI products sell the most at your store?
Yogurts and milk, definitely. Especially chocolate and strawberry yogurt; the chocolate-banana combination is also popular, as well as this year's new strawberry-banana. In this region, we also like Sabinov curd cheese and strawberry cottage cheese.
Do your customers like shopping during promotions?
We all like promotions and discounts... (laughs). Although the truth is, when you offer interesting goods, they can be more expensive, but if they are truly interesting, the customer will buy them. Many of our buyers appreciate that we do tastings, and when they like the product and it is fresh and fragrant, the customer accepts a higher price...
I see the saleswomen are talking with customers...
Many buyers trust the saleswomen and ask if this or that is good. They have the experience that we give honest advice. We have built good relationships with customers, and they like to return to us...
