Tell us a little about you and your career and how it came to be that you opened Bube & König.
We have all worked in the textile retail trade for a very long time before and discovered the appreciation for quality and the joy in dealing with our colleagues and customers. The great wish of every passionate retailer is to own his own shop where he can turn his hobby into his profession. We shared this dream, the passion for high-quality clothing and the fun of selling. So we decided to open our own menswear store, Bube & König.
In the digital age, the retail trade has a tough time. Dwindling customers, cheaper prices on the Internet–the competition is fierce. What are you doing about it and what are you doing better than your competitors?
The customer is our priority, and not only in terms of service. Every customer who comes to us is treated the same, no matter if "Knecht” (servant) or "Kaiser" (emperor). We want to offer everyone a beautiful shopping experience, in which Raimar and Steve with their friendly cold snout are the absolute specialists. Our customers definitely always have fun, laugh a lot with us, drink coffee and a beer or two and often become good friends. We offer the best possible service, such as changes, repair service, drinks, deliveries, telephone orders, private shopping even outside our regular opening hours and, of course, optimal style advice. All three of us are also selling on a daily basis, which in our opinion is a major shortcoming in most companies. We have a versatile, high-quality assortment and also different price ranges so that really everyone finds something with us.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Social networks, fashion trade shows, daily life, travelling, clients and movies.
Who are your customers?
From young pupils and students who save their temporary salary or pocket money to the big earner who has his wallet a bit looser or the fashion-conscious pensioner across the bed. In the end, we all share the same passion for quality and appreciation for the work behind it.
How important is store design to you?
Very important, in any case! We want to present the product as appealing as possible for our customers and also according to the product. We also want to create a pleasant atmosphere for ourselves and our visitors.
According to which criteria do you compile your assortment?
Quality and design in harmony. We would carry each of our items ourselves and can therefore offer it to our customers with a clear conscience. Fair production and timeless design is more important to us than seal ring and title. And [there should be] a good and team behind the product, with whom it is also fun to work together.
What is the most fun about your job?
We are not only colleagues but friends, so of course it is fun to work together. The style consultation of our customers is also a great part of our job and of course also the purchasing of the goods, the beautiful collection we are able to see and wear and also the design of our shop.
Is online trading a threat to you?
No. Most customers like to come to us to treat themselves, to reward themselves and not because they really need something. They also appreciate the service, the advice and the sales experience we offer them and therefore like to buy stationary. In addition, we are usually not concerned with a specific product, but much more with advice and the shopping experience. The customer usually doesn't even know in advance what he actually wants. We also sell something from time to time via our social media channels, in which Raimar is our full professional.
Which famous personality would you like to dress?
Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.
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