An early start and daily routine characterise the everyday life of REWE salesman Michael Stephan in Nymphenburg. The northern light has found his new home and vocation here - with his own store.
The phone rings at a quarter to six. Michael Stephan is on his way to the gym and discussing the first topics of the day with his Kaufmann colleagues. "We talk on the phone when we're out and about and discuss current topics," he says. This has become established over time. After sport, it's straight to the store: "To start, I always have a cup of coffee with my store manager to discuss the current situation and what to-dos are on the agenda today."
The ritual is repeated in the evening: "After dinner, I discuss with my wife what can be done differently or better in the store the next day." His wife, whom he met at REWE, now regularly lends a hand in his own store. She used to be an assistant at REWE. She helps three to four times a week, reorganises layouts, takes care of QA, jumps in when things go wrong - and knows every process that Stephan has perfected over years of experience. "She can do everything, but we rarely need her in operations," he says with a laugh. Together they form a team that perfectly coordinates the market, family and everyday life.
Michael Stephan introduced wireless headphones, which he already knew from other retailers in England, at REWE throughout Germany.
Michael Stephan began his career at REWE. "I started as an apprentice retail salesman when I was 15." This was followed by positions as store manager, district manager at Rossmann and regional sales manager at Aldi. "There you learn that money is important, but not everything. The pressure is enormous - it's not for everyone in the long term."
He came back to REWE. Here he was able to contribute his experience from the retail sector, especially technical solutions: He introduced wireless headsets, which he already knew from other retailers in England, to REWE nationwide. "The systems paid for themselves after just a few weeks and helped all retailers to work more efficiently." Most recently, he was Head of Category Management in the southern region and responsible for purchasing and goods procurement.
Despite this success, Stephan was ready for the next step: self-employment. "You have to look carefully at when the time is right to take this step," he says. He saw his chance with the former Edeka shop in Nymphenburg, which had been empty for two years. "I knew from my experience that I could make a phenomenal start here - and that proved to be the case."
„You always have to work on the company, not just in the company. Adjustments to the product range, processes, technology - everything has to match the reality of the customer.“ REWE salesman Michael Stephan
Michael Stephan consistently focusses on innovation in his market.
Customer focus and smart solutions
The market in Nymphenburg has developed into a place where customers appreciate the shopping experience: friendly staff who take their time, an upmarket range and an ambience that invites you to linger. "Fruit and vegetables were initially a problem because there are several market stalls in the immediate vicinity. But we now generate the majority of our revenue with this product group," explains Stephan proudly.
He consistently focuses on innovation in his store: Scan & Go checkouts are designed to avoid waiting times at peak times, while modern deposit machines send signals when a refill container needs to be changed. "We are even considering having the machines warn us before the container is full - that saves time and improves customer service." Stephan makes targeted use of social media, controlled by himself and tailored to his customers. "No expensive agency, but direct feedback from customers, targeted campaigns. These are smart solutions that really make a difference."
Assistant Market Manager Selim Aleynidov is now a key figure in the team.
Personnel development and trust
Stephan also focuses on continuity and development when it comes to personnel planning: Selim Aleynidov, his assistant store manager, completed his retail management assistant training with Stephan and is now a key figure in the team. "Selim had problems at his previous station, but with me he took on responsibility and rose through the ranks - and became an important employee."
Stephan's philosophy: give people opportunities, use synergies, optimise processes. "You always have to work on the company, not just in the company. Adjustments to the product range, processes, technology - everything has to match the reality of the customers."
North German in Munich
Stephan originally comes from the north. His parents moved to Bavaria 25 years ago as craftsmen, but have since moved back to Usedom on the Baltic Sea. Despite his North German accent, Stephan himself has put down roots in Munich: "You can tell I'm from the North, but I really feel at home here."
He also values his experience with the cooperative: "The cooperative provides security, you can rely on support - that's a real advantage, especially for young retailers. Everyone stands up for each other: established retailers and those who are just opening their first store."
Looking to the future
His plans go beyond the first store. Ideas for a second location are already in the works. Processes, technology and the team are being continuously developed. Stephan advises young retailers: "Look carefully when the time is right to make the leap, use your experience from the Group and your training, but also have the courage to go your own way."
Michael Stephan has proven that you can successfully manage a market with structure, technology and the right team without neglecting the human element. A North German in Munich who manages his store perfectly - from the radios and social media to the fruit department and the Scan & Go tills.
