How Malin became store manager

After completing an internal training programme at Kappahl, Malin Bentzen went from sales staff to store manager in a short space of time. Read about her career advancement!

Initially, the customer didn’t even want to try the garment on. “I’m only here to get some inspiration,” she said. Yet the customer had booked a Personal Shopping appointment.

All the same, Malin picked a few items off the rails that she thought the customer might like. She had to use all her charm to persuade the customer to step into the fitting room. The customer eventually left the store with a whole new wardrobe. With tears in her eyes, she said: “I would never have believed I’d look good in these lovely outfits”.

“I will remember my encounter with that customer for ever. Although I was completely exhausted afterwards, it felt really good that I could take time to help her. I played a role in boosting her self-confidence,” Malin tells us.

Started with a part-time job

Malin had a part-time store assistant job at Kappahl while she was still at high school. After completing her studies, she decided it would be fun to see a bit of the world.

“I tagged along with a friend who had got work in Denmark. After a while, I found employment on an organic farm which also had a farm shop and restaurant. I started off doing the dishes in the kitchen and ended up being in charge of the restaurant. I stayed in that job for several years and built myself a new life with new acquaintances. I’m really proud that I took the leap and made that journey.”

When Malin returned home to Sweden, she had a clear idea of what she wanted to do:

“I have always enjoyed leading and planning, and when I was put in charge of the restaurant it felt natural that I would continue in a managerial role.”

Malin’s path led back to Kappahl

Malin began working in the Kappahl store on Kungsgatan in Gothenburg (Sweden). After a short while she decided to apply for a place on Kappahl’s internal store manager training programme:

“Sales staff from all over the country were able to apply. I attended an interview at which I explained why I had applied for a place and what my future plans looked like. I was one of 15 who were accepted for the programme that year,” Malin says. She adds:

“After gaining my qualification, I felt really excited about getting started in my new role. The training programme gave me a definite boost”.

What was your first day as a store manager like?

“I remember thinking: where shall I start? I was so used to getting to work and knowing what I had to do, but it took a few days to get into it. I have received fantastic support from my manager who has believed in me from day one. Everyone who trains to become a store manager is also allocated a mentor and mine has always encouraged and supported me,” says Malin. She goes on:

“Today, I try to do my best to lead my team and drive us towards our shared goals. I usually remind everyone that our customers are our number one priority even if we’re up to the ceiling in the stock room. The goods stay put but the customers in the store don’t.

What’s the best thing about working at Kappahl?

“It feels secure and stable and I have colleagues who are driven by the same motivations as I am. I am very proud of our sustainability initiatives. I share and believe in Kappahl’s values. When others I know voice doubts about their jobs, I feel extremely proud to be working at Kappahl. If there is anywhere I want to continue developing and growing, it’s here.”

Why are we doing this spotlight?

Kappahl’s success is created by those of us who work here – together. This story is one example of a career journey – one of many. There are numerous opportunities for each and every one of us to carve out our own career pathway at Kappahl. What we have in common is that we all want to like our jobs and feel that we are being given the right opportunities to utilise our entire potential in the workplace. That is why Kappahl promises us the right to be ourselves. Kappahl – a place to belong.