Following the successful launch of new regional sales structures in Germany, BIRKENSTOCK is now establishing its own regional sales organization in the neighboring country of Austria. With effect from July 1, 2015, Michael Bachmayer will be assuming the newly created position of Regional Manager Austria and will be responsible for the management of relations to the specialist footwear retail segment in the Alpine Republic. The collaboration with the former Austrian partner, Fuschlberger GmbH & Co. KG, will end on June 30, 2015.

“This step has been taken to significantly improve our service and the efficiency of the supply chain in Austria”, says Oliver Reichert, CEO of the BIRKENSTOCK Group. “At the same time, we also intend to expand our market presence and see outstanding potential in the Austrian market. This applies not only to our sandals, but also for our closed-toe shoes and children’s footwear. Our prime focus will be on cooperative ventures with specialist footwear retailers.” The establishment of a regional sales organization for Austria is one part of the comprehensive market offensive with which BIRKENSTOCK is increasing its proximity to markets around the world. In the course of this strategy, new sales organizations have already been established in Hong Kong, Brazil, and Spain, and more are scheduled to follow.

“We have implemented a large number of restructuring measures over the past three years”, says Markus Bensberg, CEO of the BIRKENSTOCK Group. “For instance, we now have a much leaner collection that is fully aligned with the BIRKENSTOCK umbrella brand. We have also invested extensively in the development of new products and our marketing activities. We now also offer retailers comprehensive support for their sales activities. With the establishment of a regional sales organization, we expect to see broad acceptance of these positive reforms throughout the Austrian retail segment and that they will, in turn, have a visible effects for the end-customers.“

Michael Bachmayer plays a key role in this. Born in Schärding, Upper Austria, the sales expert comes from Rohde, the manufacturer of comfortable footwear, where he had been a footwear sales representative since the beginning of 2013. Prior to this, he worked for the sales division of the footwear importer Grohmann. Michael Bachmayer reports directly to Randolf Friedel, Area Manager DACH.

Michael Bachmayer will be assuming his new position in good time for the start of the ordering phase for the spring/summer collection 2016. With the establishment of a regional sales organization, BIRKENSTOCK also expands its presence at the ordering events. The new collection will be displayed at the following ordering events:

• August 9/16, 2015: Schuh Austria, Salzburg (Shoe Fair)
• August 18-20, 2015: Shoes & Bags, advance orders, Salzburg
• August 22-24, 2015: Shoes & Bags, advance orders, Vienna
• August 27, 2015: Schuhmesse Klagenfurt (Shoe Fair)
• September 15/16, 2015: Shoes & Bags main orders, Salzburg

Michael Bachmayer would naturally also be pleased to arrange visits to individual retailers at POS. Contact details for arranging a visit: E-mail: michael.bachmayer@birkenstock.com Mobile: +43 676 84 1234 364