Studenac office employees put in physical retail shifts as part of From the Office to the Store programme

Office-based employees of Studenac, Croatia’s largest retailer by store count, have been stocking shelves, operating cash registers and assisting customers in its network of more than 1,200 physical locations as part of a workforce engagement initiative.

The From the Office to the Store programme ran from June to September and gave board members and other managerial employees from headquarters a first hand view of the daily routines of their frontline staff.

The company’s focus on worker wellbeing and retention also includes bonuses for top performing locations and a strategy to integrate employees of acquired companies.

“Seeing what our store colleagues do every day is invaluable for those of us who work in offices,” says Biljana Kostović, in charge of HR projects at Studenac, who spent time working at a downtown shop in the coastal city of Split.

“As we continue to grow rapidly, it's important to stay close to our employees and understand their needs and the challenges they encounter."

Since its 2018 acquisition by private equity fund Enterprise Investors, Studenac has tripled its store network through acquisitions and organic growth throughout the country. It now has more than 6,000 employees and is targeting a 10% market share and the number three position in sales by 2025.

"This project gave us an opportunity to assist our colleagues, deepen our connections, embrace new challenges and create beautiful memories,” says Board President Michał Seńczuk, who also spent a day at a store in Split.

“Strengthening collaboration among all members of our team is one of the most crucial aspects of our business, and we look forward to future initiatives.”

His fellow board member Nina Mimica, Studenac’s Chief Innovation Officer, was reminded of her first ever job – scanning barcodes in a store in the United States.

This summer, she experienced the dynamics of seasonal demand at a Studenac store on the Adriatic coast, a popular destination for tourists from across Europe. Her duties included restocking and organising shelves, updating prices and assisting customers.

"I talked to customers, answered questions about prices, helped people find things, and checked if we had cucumbers in stock,” Mimica says. “I enjoyed it because I like organising and creating things, whether it's my closet at home or the shelves in a store.”

2023 RTIH Innovation Awards

Studenac is among the shortlisted companies at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards.

It is in the running for our Supply Chain Innovation and Most Innovative Retailer gongs.

Our winners will be revealed at a fantastic awards ceremony, which will take place at the Barbican Centre in central London.

The event will be held on Wednesday, 29th November, maintaining its popular evening format, with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a Christmas themed three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

To book your place at this must attend event, click here.