Fernando García Altez – Sales assistant
Fernando loves his sales job, but forgets all the hustle and bustle when he’s cooking
Fernando García Altez, working in men’s fashion at Stockmann Tapiola, treats every customer with the same respect, and customers keep coming back to him year after year. Fernando has some sales advice up his sleeve, but he also has some great grilling tips to share.
What do you do at Stockmann and how did you end up working here?
I came to Finland from Peru in the 90s with absolutely no knowledge of the language. I was lucky enough to get a job in Stockmann’s warehouse, from where I moved on to work in the fruit and vegetable section Herkku in the Helsinki department store. At Herkku, I served customers who only spoke Finnish and that’s how I learned the language. Next, I moved on to the shoe department to work as a salesperson. However, I wanted to sell entire outfits rather than just shoes, so I hopped on the metro to the Tapiola department store and went to meet the director of the store. That’s how I got my current job selling men’s fashion.
What is the best thing about your job?
Serving customers, meeting people and selling bring me joy. I recently told a young colleague that salespeople who work just for the pay check don’t stay in the job for long. You need to be motivated to learn new things so you can improve at your job. You learn the basics of sales right away during the induction, but your development really starts after that. You need to stay alert, be proactive and come up with new ways of working.
Share one surprising thing your colleagues don’t know about you.
My former boss once asked me how I unwind after a workday. “By cooking,” I replied. When I cook, I’m in seventh heaven. I especially enjoy grilling pork chops or lamb fillets. I have my own recipe for a coriander marinade that I often use on meat.
Your most memorable moment at Stockmann?
A while back, a woman and her son came to ask for help choosing an outfit, as the young man had a university graduation party coming up. The son only wanted jeans and a sweater. The boy’s mother whispered to me, asking if I could help her, as she wanted her son to have a slightly more festive outfit. We talked with the young man about how graduation is a great achievement to be proud of. It would be nice to take photos at the event with him wearing stylish clothes. We found him a smart shirt and a blazer as well as chinos and nice shoes. Both mother and son left for home looking very happy. It’s great to make a sale, but it’s even better to make someone’s day.
What is the best way to wow customers?
You have to bring your own personality to the job. People appreciate when you’re dedicated. I always smile at every customer and ask how they are doing. While chatting, I find out what the customer needs and offer suitable options. Sometimes a customer wants to get something off their chest before we start shopping. We’re all just human.
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