38 stores in the western region were destroyed by the floods in summer 2021. Anna Pauly was recently able to reopen her REWE Centre in Kall (Eifel). She explains here how the experience shaped her and her team.
one: Mrs Pauly, how did you experience the flood disaster?
Anna Pauly: I remember it raining heavily. I wanted to clear the drains on the roof with a colleague. We could already see the first masses of water from above. I sent my colleagues home, but most of them wanted to stay. We then fled upstairs to our common rooms quite quickly.
The uncertainty was terrible. There was no electricity and no mains power. And when the fire brigade told you: 'We're sorry, but we can't get through to the market', it makes your head spin. We had to spend the night in the market and gave each other strength.
one: What happened afterwards?
Anna Pauly: The next day, we went to see what the market looked like. The tiles had come off the walls, the floor slab had shifted - and everything was full of mud. A structural engineer had to inspect the store and ultimately closed it. We were only allowed back in after four weeks and were able to tidy up and clear out. The team spirit was tremendous, everyone pitched in. The chance to rebuild the market gave us great hope.
one: Now the market is back and is going down really well with customers. What has stayed the same, what have you changed?
Anna Pauly: The most important thing for me is that all of my employees are still here today. We have turned the store inside out: departments have been moved, there are many more products in the range and glazed refrigerated cabinets. And we have our 1,500th pick-up service.
one: What do you and your team wish for the future?
Anna Pauly: First and foremost, I wish us good health. I would also like us to maintain our team spirit. And in general, it is important to me that we take the issue of climate change seriously and treat our world more consciously and sensitively.
