L e adi n g P eo p l e
WHAT’S THE STORY
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Fashion entrepreneurs are multitaskers, problem solvers, globetrotters, motivators, buffers, visionaries, role models, and accountants - preferably all at once. The times are demanding, as are people and trade relations. Excellent managers master the challenge of leading by example. Always… Text: Martina Müllner-Seybold, Kay Alexander Plonka. Illustrations: Claudia Meitert@Caroline Seidler
THE GOOD TIMES WILL RETURN
Belinda Selendi, owner of Selendi Die Mode “The Lord has graced me with an incredible enthusiasm and passion for fashion. It remains unbroken, even 34 years after I launched my store. I have an optimistic outlook on the future. I have experienced so many waves and phases over the years, which is why I am sure that the stationary retail trade will experience an upswing at some point. Naturally, one has to earn that upswing, for instance by building and expanding one’s regular customer database. Without regular customers, you don’t stand a chance. Whenever an opportunity arises during a personal conversation with a regular, I try to create awareness: quality versus fast fashion, buying locally versus online shopping. The reactions are positive. The customers have something to think about. We retailers have every right to take a stand, as long as we’re not patronising. We should highlight our value, in particular our value for the customer we advise. We also have a value for the city, which remains attractive because of us.”
RESPECT AND OPENNESS
Bert Sterck, fashion consultant “The current situation in the fashion sector isn’t easy, for various reasons. But one should never forget how much fun this industry is. I feel a great love for this profession, for people, for creativity, and for the beautiful things with which we are showered - every two seasons at the latest. I perceive it as a gift! I strive to maintain both openness and respect. I believe it is essential that people in management positions regularly highlight the positive contribution of the staff on the sales floor. They achieve great things, especially in the upscale segment. A dress for 6,000 Euros doesn’t fly off the shelf by itself. However, I have noticed that this pure pleasure in selling is fading. Our zeitgeist simply isn’t suited for the service idea. If one sells a great dress, one should perceive it as an achievement rather than regretting the fact that it didn’t end up in one’s own wardrobe. This is increasingly difficult to do in a world defined by constant comparisons and the display of one’s own possessions.”
style in progress
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