The Schuhhaus Meyer in Lübbecke is also lucky with its employees. “Our six employees have been with us for many years and are all sales professionals,” says Managing Director Britta Goertz happily. Some have worked here since their apprenticeship; one employee even recently celebrated his 25th anniversary. The youngest in the team has been working at the Meyer shoe store for eight years. In rural areas, the bond with the employer is often more intense. “It is important for me to always be sincere and to value my employees. They are the company’s ambassadors,” explains Britta Goertz. She works very intensively with her colleagues in sales and sees herself as part of the team. The boss sets the pace and motivates with her drive and her joy in sales. “I am in control of the processes. On the floor, I immediately notice the errors and problems and can influence and act spontaneously.” Britta Goertz communicates with her team every day. The meetings focus on the fashion topics of the season, professional exchange, work planning and sporadic training from the shoe brands. Employees learn most of what they do on the floor every day.
Completely replaced the sales team
The children’s specialty store Penschek in Duisburg is similar in structure. But anyone who sells shoes here has to adapt to the little customers and serve them with a lot of empathy. Owner Philipp Penschek, who employs three salespeople, has an eye on everything and can quickly help shape the space. He himself is the best coach and motivator. He prefers to be in sales and crawl around on the floor with his little customers while trying on things. He was lucky with his three women on the team, all of whom have children of their own. He hired the part-time specialists in January, August and November 2024. It was a tightrope act because he had to completely replace his previous staff. “They felt too comfortable,” explains Penschek diplomatically. The new team has now settled into everyday sales life and everyone is enjoying working with the children. The motivation is great. “We have something to laugh about every day,” says the dealer. He sees himself as a team player: “I may be the boss, but I work on an equal level with my sales staff.” The training phase went relatively quickly because all three women had already worked in the shoe store. The women take part in WMS seminars, there are training programs from the brand providers and Philipp Penschek motivates the team every day with his enthusiasm. The working hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays until 2 p.m. are another incentive for women to work here.