"ten questions" for Cornelia Boscardin
from Pebo's Öbergwändlilade
In the "ten questions" series, we ask people who have recently caught our eye in the city of St.Gallen ten questions about themselves and their business.
business. This time with Cornelia Boscardin. She recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of her family business "Pebos Öbergwändlilade" at Merkurstrasse 1.
1. what does the 150th anniversary mean to you personally?
We are grateful for the loyalty of our customers and hope for many more successful years to come.
2. what particular challenges does the sale of workwear entail?
As competition has become very fierce, new collections and materials have to be found all the time. We also have to advertise more aggressively.
3. how does your family history influence today's business philosophy?
Our aim has always been to offer products that we believe in. This will remain the case.
4. what makes Pebo's Öbergwändlilade unique?
The fact that the business has now been in existence for 150 years. We have even survived the difficult times of the Second World War, the advent of e-commerce and the coronavirus pandemic.
5. what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for your business today?
The internet is making it extremely difficult for many small stores. We can only continue to survive with personal advice, high quality and additional services.
6. what advice would you give to other small entrepreneurs working in traditional industries?
It's not easy to run a business these days. You have to find a niche.
7. how has the city of St.Gallen changed since your business opened and what impact have these changes had on your business?
The city and our business have changed several times, I think that's the case everywhere. It's important to move with the times.
8. how does your business interact with other local companies and institutions in St.Gallen?
We try to support local businesses with top advice and fair prices, as we have experienced time and again.
9. what do you particularly like about the city of St.Gallen?
It's a beautiful city that is alive and has lots of green spaces. The people are polite and helpful. The proximity to the mountains and Lake Constance is also great.
10. how many employees does Pebo's Öbergwändlilade have?
It's a family business. Even if only one person works full-time, there is always help from the family. Behind the till, at the top of the wall, you can see my ancestors who ran the business.
