Durability and responsibility as part of textiles
Stockmann is a Finnish company operating in the retail sector. It was established in 1862. The Group engages in retail trade, not only in Finland but also in the Baltic countries, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Island, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and the Middle East.
Stockmann is the largest department store in the Nordic countries. The group of department stores of the Stockmann Group includes 16 located in Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Russia.
Stockmann Herkku is the chain’s food and daily consumer goods department. Abroad, Stockmann Herkku is called Delikatess (Estonia), Delikatese (Latvia) and Gastronome (Russia).
Stockmann’s need
A lot is expected of the workwear used at the Herkku departments, because not only style and comfort but also responsibility are important. Seams cannot split even in demanding use and the surface of the clothing cannot become rough through constant washing. In addition to these basic requirements, the cleanliness of the workwear has to be 100% and the responsibility principles of Stockmann must also show in clothing. Clothing maintenance and logistics must also work impeccably, since clean clothing is needed every day.
Solution
Stockmann’s partner in workwear is Lindström whose principles and operating methods suit the strict requirements of the company. The workwear of Herkku personnel is manufactured by Lindström’s long-term partners who are audited regularly. When working with food, hygiene is a must, and all Herkku workwear are laundered by Lindström, because hygiene cannot be guaranteed in home washes as in professional laundry. The Herkku workwear have been designed according to Stockmann’s wishes and needs, and are rental textiles cared for by Lindström.
“The development work of workwear is on-going; Stockmann and Lindström have organised surveys in co-operation and the results are used to make changes to the models, materials and operating methods. Lindström is also investing in the development of cost-efficiency. Regularly held chain-level control groups and department store-specific development groups go over reports that are used to develop operations and make them more efficient. Local account representatives have also received thanks for the active role they take,” says Chief of Cleaning Services Taina Vepsäläinen of Stockmann.
The personnel of the other departments of the Stockmann department stores are also using Lindström’s workwear in all countries as a purchase workwear service. In addition, the department stores are using Lindström’s Mat Services and, in Finland, also the Hygiene Services.
“The development work of workwear is on-going; Stockmann and Lindström have organised surveys in co-operation and the results are used to make changes to the models, materials and operating methods.”
Taina Vepsäläinen,
Chief of Cleaning Services,
Stockmann, Department Store Group
