In the Villeroy & Boch flagship concession in Harrods, work anniversaries are like London buses. You can wait ages for one to come along and then two arrive at exactly the same time.
This month, Department Manager Sophia Smaragd Fassbender celebrates 30 years in her role as her team reaches a combined 100 years in post.
Sophia said: “There’s been so much change over the last three decades, managing the business in a continuously evolving dynamic environment requires an almost constant demonstration of both adaptability and total professionalism at all times.
“Consistently providing the ultimate in customer service is embedded in the DNA of my fantastic team and having the confidence to provide our world class products to discerning customers is really what it’s all about.”
As Villeroy & Boch Brand Ambassadors, the individual team members regularly go the extra mile to uphold the traditions of the host store and exceed the expectations of both management and customers alike.
In fact, “guests” – as customers are referred to – often remark on how dealing with long serving friendly and knowledgeable V&B colleagues is one of the key reasons for their repeated return to the business.
As Deputy Manager Christopher Ryan said, communication and teamwork are essential to the running of the department.
“No one does more to create a collaborative environment than Sophia,” he said.
“As a manager, she leads the team by example, and makes every member feel valued and appreciated, always making a point of saying thank you to everyone for the work they’ve done that day.
“No doubt that’s why staff retention and loyalty in Harrods is so very high”.
Selling across the tableware, stemware and cutlery product ranges, it’s fair to say that over the last 30 years, there’s been an awful lot of very happy and satisfied customers, and long may it continue.
Pictured, top: Chris Ryan (Deputy Manager), Sophia Smaragd Fassbender (Manager), Matthew Shirley (Supervisor).
Pictured, above: Sophia with Harrods Sales Associates Quam Jaji, Irvin Brown and Rashmikant Desai.