KaDeWe-Chefin: "Eine 26 Meter lange Wursttheke gehört heutzutage nicht mehr dazu"

Frau Swiderski, a seasoned head chef at the renowned KaDeWe department store, reminisces about her early visits to the iconic shopping destination with her parents and siblings. She fondly recalls admiring Steiff bears in the toy department and celebrating birthdays at the "Sixth" floor. Her first purchase from KaDeWe was a Steiff rabbit, which she still possesses today.

The reporter asks about the transition from the mid-range segment to the luxury segment when she first joined the company. Swiderski describes it as an exciting and natural progression of her 20 years of retail experience. She is particularly proud of the new beauty studio on the third floor, a concierge service that analyzes guests' skin, and the upcoming sports and longevity section on the fourth floor.

She also highlights the recently revived Kids Club on the fourth floor, catering to parents who shop and seek beauty treatments, manicures, pedicures, and Lagree fitness classes.

The reporter inquires about the decline of the 26-meter-long wursttheke on the sixth floor, questioning if there are any complaints about its absence. Swiderski responds that the wursttheke has long since passed its time, as the store adapts to the needs of new generations. She emphasizes that decisions are made with profitability in mind, and that the reduction of the wursttheke contributes to the store's evolution over time.

When asked how she differs from her predecessors in terms of shopping habits, Swiderski emphasizes the importance of understanding and catering to the needs of each individual guest. She mentions a loyalty card program that rewards frequent shoppers and provides exclusive benefits to members. Swiderski also reveals that kawaii (cute) products, such as plush toys and the popular Mirumi robot, are currently flying off the shelves.

The reporter then asks about KaDeWe's unique offerings for Berliners and tourists. Swiderski stresses the importance of preserving the store's history and the charm of its legendary locations, such as the Sixth Floor, the champagne bar, the oyster bar, and the fish cutter. She also highlights the wide range of amenities available to guests, including teeth whitening, manicures, pedicures, eyebrow and eyelash styling, and a rooftop summer terrace.

KaDeWe aims to provide a comprehensive "wellness package" for its guests, ensuring an unforgettable experience beyond mere shopping.