Birgit in an Interview

Dear Birgit, how long have you been with Otto Group Holding and what exactly are your responsibilities?

I have been working for LASCANA in the Otto Group Holding for 5 years as a store manager in the Europa Galerie in Saarbrücken. My responsibilities include actively and competently advising our customers and selling lingerie, swimwear and our active sports collection. This includes the presentation and decoration of the merchandise, staff scheduling, checkout procedures and closings, stock transfers and inventories. In addition, personnel management naturally makes up a large part of my job: Targeted development of the team through promotion, sales training, motivation, team meetings as well as the induction of new employees*.

You work in retail at LASCANA. What does that mean to an outsider?

A very exciting, communicative, varied and responsible job. The focus is on customer orientation. We inspire our customers for our brand with infectious enthusiasm, coupled with a special flair for individual, personal and competent advice in line with our motto: "Never meet your customers' expectations, always exceed them!"

Shopping should be an experience for our customers. To be able to offer them great quality at a good price with competent advice in a beautiful ambience gives me a huge pleasure every day and that's why I live and love my profession and sales. To advise and pamper our customers with passion, that is our mission. This passion is transferred to our customers - they are thrilled and thank us again and again with great compliments, a smile and a repeat visit.

What does a typical day look like for you?

First of all, we discuss the day's schedule and tasks as a team and define the goal and the strategy for achieving it. Then we check the merchandise displays, promotion tables and decorations in the store. As soon as the first customers enter the store, they get a drink and the needs assessment follows.

I accompany my customers and introduce them to the latest highlights and collections. I advise the customers individually, if desired also with a color and style consultation. My job also includes administrative tasks, such as processing e-mails and customer requests. At the end of the day, I close the day and the cash register.

What is it like working with your team?

Our interaction with each other is characterized by communication, trust, support and appreciation. We work together as a team to achieve our goals. The openness for constant changes and improvements and the willingness to constantly face new challenges characterize us as a team and allow us to be very successful. Trying out new things, being courageous, imparting knowledge and motivating and supporting my team gives me great pleasure and is and remains my great passion.

What distinguishes working at the Otto Group Holding? What is special?

The flat hierarchies, a friendly, appreciative, motivating, supportive cooperation and the constant exchange at all levels. The "we-feeling" is actively promoted and lived. I also appreciate the opportunity to break new ground, to take on daily challenges independently and creatively, and to constantly develop professionally and personally as a result.

Do you have any tips for future applicants? What should you bring with you for a position in your field?

A communicative, open nature, joy in active selling and in dealing with customers. You should also have the ability to inspire and motivate customers and be open to continuous development. If you love challenges, are enthusiastic about our collections and enjoy working successfully with great colleagues, then our LASCANA family is the right place for you.