Tell us a bit about yourself and your business
My family has provided supplies to Prinzersdorf in Lower Austria since 1928. When I took over the store from my parents in 2008, it was significantly smaller with a sales area of about 300m². Following extensive updates, we re-opened a 704m² modernised SPAR Supermarket in October 2016 in the centre of Prinzersdorf.
Prinzersdorf has 1,596 inhabitants. However, the catchment area of the store comprises about 10,000 inhabitants. During the renovations, it was important that we could maintain the location in the town centre and offer our customers ample parking space that we did not have before. Currently, we employ 30 staff members, including two trainees.
What are the most significant recent developments in your store?
The re-opening of our modernised store and the doubling of our sales area gave us the chance to expand our range significantly. The expanded sales area also enables a better positioning of seasonal displays. In addition, we have set up a small bistro in the fresh food area that customers like to use as a meeting point.
How do you differentiate your store from the competition?
A key aspect that sets us apart from the competition is our friendly and well-trained staff. We are a family business working with commitment and passion. Customers feel this and quickly become loyal customers. We also differentiate ourselves through a large product range, with regional delicacies and an excellent fresh area.
To read the rest of the article, first published in our quarterly magazine Contact International, click here.
