Going forward, even during a recession

Present Store based its strategy on constant development and expansion, therefore they managed to grow despite the economic crisis and a stagnating business and promotional gift market. According to Ferenc Keresztesi, owner and managing director of Present Store, there is no stopping on this fast-changing market, the only way to go is forward. He started at Mölnlycke and later worked for Philip Morris for years, so he has an insight into the structure and policies of multinational companies. Six years ago, he started his own business and in September, they are opening their branch in Romania, followed by another two countries next year. Their team of 15 covers the whole country, each salesperson drives a company car and is equipped with mobile phones and computers; they participate in trainings and motivation courses throughout the year. The company’s philosophy is to offer personal solutions for certain occasions, instead of products. For this, they need to understand their partners’ needs and come up with creative ideas. Processes and timing have been optimised in accordance with their partners’ expectations; everything is done in line with multinational standards. Speed and quality are guaranteed by having their own storing and logo-making facilities, which makes them capable of placing unique messages, logos or slogans on any type of surface. These factors have all contributed to the company’ signing several exclusive contracts. – This profession works according to an annual cycle. It starts in October, at the Hong Kong fair, which is followed by the Düsseldorf event. Companies can choose from millions of products. Classic items, like clothes, umbrellas, mugs or watches are redesigned each year, and there are always seasonal favourites – says Ferenc Keresztesi. As for technical innovations, there is an abundance, for instance new generation USB flash drives are available in all shapes and colours. Present Store makes its choices and publishes the selection in their 3 Hungarian-language catalogues in February, while another 3 are published before the holiday season. These publications feature more than 10,000 products. The period before Christmas has always been the busiest for business gift companies. Ferenc Keresztesi is of the opinion that companies should remember to order Christmas gifts already after the summer holiday, to save time and energy on both sides. To facilitate this, Present Store sends out its Newsletter every autumn, reminding companies that Christmas is only 12 weeks away.