Kesko.fi Jobs

Flexibility in work

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:13:04 GMT

Some Kesko employees describe how they reconcile work and leisure:

part-time distance work

Toni, who works as a product manager for VV-Auto Group Oy, has been doing part of his job as distance work since 2011. Toni and his wife Mari wanted to have 'a safety network' to help with the everyday life of the family and children and decided to move to Punkalaidun, closer to their relatives. Usually, Toni works in the VV-Auto offices in Vantaa for two days a week and in his office in Punkalaidun for three days a week.

- Thanks to distance work, I have more time for my family and, when working at home, I manage to make better progress with projects that demand concentration. My main customers, car salespeople, have not even noticed any change – things are dealt with using the telephone and e-mail messages in the same way as before.

study leave

Anu was responsible for the home textiles department at K-citymarket Jumbo until the summer 2011. In the autumn, when her firstborn started school, Anu took her job alternation leave. The little schoolgirl had support for her days during the autumn, while her five-year-old sister could enjoy her mother's company. Anu herself had time for physical exercise, handicrafts and meeting her friends.

- I started my study leave at the end of 2011, right after my job alternation leave. The plan is that after two years I will have completed my studies and I'll be a qualified interior decorator. Both of the periods of leaves have been very important for me. Such an investment in my family, developing myself and my wellbeing cannot be measured by money alone.

part-time pension

Taija has been translating Kesko's documents into and from English for 36 years, and since August 2010 as a part-time pensioner.

- I work for three days a week and have two days off. My work as a translator is busy when financial statements and annual publications, for example, come out. Being a part-time pensioner provides me with some flexibility: I can occasionally work more and postpone some days off. Now, I've got more time for my leisure interests, such as physical exercise and studying Italian. And it also gives me energy for the last years at work!

paternity leave

For Jarkko, who works as a real estate manager, taking paternity leave following the birth of his first child went without saying. Jarkko was pleased to notice that his boss was most encouraging.

- I took paternity leave of 11 days right after our daughter was born and will take the remaining seven days later in the spring. My paternity leave was very significant for my family as you can never get back the first moments of a newborn child's life. I will have my paternity month possibly when my daughter is about one year. And, of course, I will take my turn and care for her if she is sick, if needed, later when she goes to nursery.

child care leave

Satu, who works as a communications officer in Kesko's District Office of Southeastern Finland, has two sons: Oliver, who is 11 years and Emil, who is two and a half. Satu took care of her youngest child at home for two years until August 2011, first on maternity leave and then on child-care leave.

- I took child-care leave because the idea of taking a baby of less than a year old to a day nursery seemed strange. I wanted my child to enjoy unhurried days during his first couple of years. My return to work has gone well, and it certainly helps a lot that I can agree with my supervisor to work at home when my child is sick. With the help of my laptop and mobile, I can perform many of my duties well at home.

Part-time child care leave

Lotta has been working in various jobs at K-citymarket Länsikeskus in Turku since 2000. In January 2012, after her maternity leave and child-care leave, she returned to work and is now on part-time child-care leave. She works in the home textiles department for five days a month.

- I'm really pleased with this opportunity to have 'a soft landing'. Two small children take up much of a parent's strength: you sleep fewer hours and the kids are often sick. Now I can stay at home with my youngest one without fretting over how much work is left undone. My boss has been very positive about this leave and I can go back to full-time work so long as I give her enough notice.

New Kesko Board member from the world of science

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:41:20 GMT

Virpi Tuunainen is a Professor of Information Systems Science (information and service management) at Aalto University School of Economics.

She is the Director of Aalto Service Factory, which combines the expertise of the six Aalto University schools in multi-disciplinary cooperation in the field of services.

The Factory is designed to produce new research knowledge, develop service training and promote service innovations.

"For nearly two decades, my research and teaching has been especially in the field of digital economy in both Finland and abroad. I believe I'm able to widen the Board's expertise in this area," says Tuunainen.

Vantage point in a company known to be responsible

According to Tuunainen, the Kesko Board membership provides a unique vantage point onto Finnish business life.

"For me, Kesko is interesting because of its internationality and diversity – the product lines cover practically everything from foodstuffs to cars. I'm also aware that Kesko has been awarded several times for responsibility."

Summer job at a K-store

Virpi Tuunainen is familiar with Kesko and K-stores. In her current job, she has come to know Kesko as a supporter and partner in many of the University's projects. And her first summer job was in the vegetable department of a K-store in Martinlaakso.

Tuunainen is also a K-Plussa card holder and a frequent shopper at her "excellent local K-supermarket".
Tuunainen likes to spend her leisure time practicing martial arts – karate and iaido – and scuba diving. She also coaches karate juniors and is a Board member of the Finnish Divers' Federation.

Kesko's Corporate Management Board to be revised

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:54:21 GMT

	Arja Talma has been Kesko Corporation's Chief Financial Officer since 2005. She joined Kesko in 2004 and has been a Corporate Management Board member since 2005. Rautakesko is an international service provider which retails building, renovation and home improvement supplies in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus. The net sales of the building and home improvement trade were €2,519 million in 2010.
	Minna Kurunsaari has been Vice President for Kesko Food's Commerce since 2008. Her prior positions include Vice President for the K-supermarket chain in 2005 - 2008, Retail Services Manager and Project Director in the building and home improvement trade and the home and speciality goods trade. Minna Kurunsaari joined Kesko in 1995. Kesko's home and speciality goods trade comprises K-citymarket Oy, Anttila Oy, Indoor Group Ltd, Musta Pörssi Ltd and Kenkäkesko Ltd, as well as Intersport Finland Ltd, which currently also operates 35 stores in Russia. The net sales of the home and speciality goods trade were €1,569 million in 2010.
	Jukka Erlund has been Kesko Food's Vice President for Finance since 2010, he was Kesko Corporation's Vice President, Corporate Controller in 2007 - 2010 and Kesko Corporation's Corporate Business Controller in 2004 - 2007. Jukka Erlund joined Kesko in 2004. Kesko Corporation's CFO is responsible for corporate accounting, finance and IT management.

Effective 1 December 2011, Kesko's Corporate Management Board will be composed of Matti Halmesmäki, Chair, Terho Kalliokoski responsible for the food trade, Minna Kurunsaari responsible for the home and speciality goods trade, Arja Talma responsible for the building and home improvement trade, Pekka Lahti responsible for the car and machinery trade, Riitta Laitasalo responsible for human resources, Merja Haverinen responsible for corporate communications and responsibility, and Jukka Erlund responsible for accounting, finance and IT management.

Matti Leminen, the present Senior Vice President responsible for home and speciality goods trade, will retire on 1 December 2011 at the age of 60 in accordance with his service contract.

Kesko taking part in the Responsible Summer Job campaign

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:40:20 GMT

The Responsible Summer Job 2011 campaign was launched in January 2011. It is intended to raise public discussion on the importance of summer employment for young people.

A total of 74 Finnish companies are taking part in the campaign, employing some 20,000 people for the summer. The companies are committed to the principles of responsible summer employment, which are:

meaningful work and reasonable pay
job induction and guidance
justice and equality
employment contract and certificate in writing

The first job of many youths is in the trading sector

The Kesko Group annually provides a job for thousands of young people. As significant summer employers in the trading sector, Kesko and K-stores hold a special responsibility, as for many youths, a summer job in a store represents the first contact with working life.

- The first experience of working life is very important, because it gives the young person an idea of working life in general and of his or her own abilities. It is also important to introduce the young employee to the basics of working life, such as working hours and customer service, says Mikko Myyryläinen, Kesko's HRD Manager.

Kesko offers summer jobs in many divisions and recruit people representing different levels of education and age groups. The majority of jobs are in stores and warehouses. General qualifications required of applicants include customer service attitude, sales orientation and own initiative.

Scarcity of summer jobs generated the campaign

The number of summer jobs has shrunk in Finland over the last couple of years. Fewer jobs are offered and malpractice has increased.

If summer job experience remains increasingly limited, entry into working life also becomes more difficult. The results of the survey conducted for the Responsible Summer Job 2011 campaign revealed that more than one third of employers are of the opinion that youths lack knowledge of the rules of working life.

Young people with knowledge of working life and an understanding of their personal career possibilities will eventually benefit all employers.

Retirement age of Kesko Corporation's Managing Director to rise

Wed, 25 May 2011 09:49:02 GMT

Kesko Corporation's Board of Directors has agreed to extend the term of Kesko Corporation's Managing Director and Kesko Group's President and CEO Matti Halmesmäki until the end of May 2015, when Mr. Halmesmäki will be 63.

According to the previous agreement, Mr. Halmesmäki's term would have expired in May 2012.

Further information is available from Chairman of the Board Heikki Takamäki, tel. +358 10 53 22205.

68 new K-retailers started in 2010

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:44:27 GMT

Nina Pirinen, retailer of K-market Lapinpata.

The average age of the new K-retailers who started their careers in 2010 was 35 years. 54 (80%) of them are men and 14 (20%) are women. Most K-stores have retailer couples as new entrepreneurs.

The new K-retailers comprise 62 food retailers, four sports retailers, one who sells home technology and one who sells building and home improvement items. The K-market chain had the highest number of new entrepreneurs (46) in 2010.

A total of 101 K-retailers terminated their retailer careers during the year. The most important reasons for termination were retirement or change to a new career.

There are currently 1,269 K-retailers in Finland, selling food, building and home improvement item, agricultural supplies, and speciality goods. The average age of all K-retailers is 46 years; the youngest K-retailer is 24 and the oldest one is 90. Women account for 19.3% of K-retailers, and 80% of the K-stores are family businesses.

Kesko scholarship is a reward for successful training

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:02:22 GMT

The practical training period is an ideal opportunity for students to see and learn about Kesko, K-stores and work in the retail trade, and to gain valuable work experience. For employers, these students can give fresh new ideas about how to develop their operations.

Long-established cooperation

The scholarship programme is part of the long-established cooperation Kesko has with polytechnics. BBA students are an important target group for us, because they include many potential employees. It is possible that in the future, the scholarship programme is extended to students of other polytechnic degree programmes.

Who is eligible to apply?

The BBA students who complete their practical training period in a K-store or a Kesko office with at least good marks can apply for a Kesko scholarship.

Further information on the Kesko scholarship programme.

Arja Talma was named the CFO of the Year

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:01:57 GMT

According to the jury, Arja Talma's central role as a supporter of Kesko's operating activities, a partner and a leader of various development projects were among the decisive factors.

The jury highlighted Talma's business competence, exceptionally extensive portfolio of responsibilities and especially her central role in leading Kesko's strategy work.

Arja Talma has successfully implemented major development projects related to financial management and she has strongly urged the adoption of uniform operating practices and systems in all areas of the Group's financial management. According to the jury, the basic finance and accounting functions and the present status of financial management in Kesko are clearly at a higher than average level.

The whole finance and accounting organisation deserve the thanks

‑ The title I was awarded belongs to the whole of Kesko's finance and accounting organisation. In recent years, we have achieved much be proud of. Now we face new challenges and the work continues, says Arja Talma.

‑ I'm grateful to be able to work with a top-notch team. When choosing new team members I always look for the right attitude. In general, it is well-advised to choose people who are smarter than yourself and give them space to grow and develop.

Arja Talma, Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, eMBA, was born in 1962. She joined Kesko in 2004, held the position of Vice President, Corporate Controller in 2004-2005, and has been CFO since 17 March 2005. Arja Talma is a member of Kesko's Corporate Management Board and a member of the Board of Kesko Food Ltd, Rautakesko Ltd and Konekesko Ltd.

Comparison between Finland's biggest companies

The recognition of the CFO of the Year is based on comprehensive and diverse analyses of Finland's biggest companies in terms of net sales. Other CFOs' evaluations of the role, organisation, processes and operating practices of the company's CFO and financial management also affect the recognition.

The members of the jury were Georg Ehrnrooth, Onninen Oy’s Chair of the Board Maarit Toivanen-Koivisto, Talouselämä magazine's Editor-in-Chief Reijo Ruokanen, Wärtsilä's Group Vice President, CFO Raimo Lind, and Accenture’s Country Managing Director for Finland Frank Korsström.

President and CEO Matti Halmesmäki continues as Vice Chair of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK in 2011

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:27:24 GMT

Ole Johansson, President and CEO of Wärtsilä Corporation, has been elected as the new Chair of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK for 2011. Matti Halmesmäki, Kesko's President and CEO, and Kari Jordan, President and CEO of Metsäliitto Group, continue as Vice Chairs of the Board. Antti Zitting, President of Sacotec Oy, continues to chair the Delegation for Entrepreneurs.

New members of the Board of EK are Pekka Lundmark, Konecranes Plc's President & CEO, and Kari Stadigh, Sampo plc's Group President and CEO. Elections were made at the autumn meeting of the General Assembly of EK on 25 November.

President and CEO Matti Halmesmäki has been Vice Chair of EK since 2005. Information about Halmesmäki's other positions of trust is available at administration and management.

More information on the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK is available at www.ek.fi.

Retailer entrepreneurship studied in 14 educational institutions

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:16:03 GMT

- For Kesko, it is a major advantage that students can opt for retailer entrepreneurship in their studies, says Kesko Food's Training Manager Matti Vornanen.

The retailer entrepreneurship path was created jointly by Kesko and the Finnish universities of applied sciences as a systematic study channel to become a K-retailer.

It is part of the traditional K-retailer trainee programme, modified into an optional polytechnic study module.

Introduction to retailing during studies

Matti Vornanen is happy about the new form of cooperation:

- It was time for Kesko and Laurea to start the cooperation, because they both emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship.

The retailer entrepreneurship path provides polytechnic students, especially those studying for a Bachelor's Degree in business administration or hospitality management, an opportunity to participate in an advanced study module on retail and retailer entrepreneurship.

Pentti Rauhala, President of Laurea, is interested the possibilities opened up by the retailer entrepreneurship path.

- We at Laurea teach entrepreneur oriented operating practices, regardless of the student's eventual career. Learning must include practical work, not only exams and theory.

The cooperation agreement was signed by President Pentti Rauhala of Laurea and Development Director Jarmo Salovirta of Kesko Food.

Laurea benefits from the cooperation as its students have access to current training, which materially supports the education.

- For students, the retailer entrepreneurship path opens up possibilities to enter working life and helps them identify certain characteristics typical of the trading sector, says Vornanen.

Laurea consists of seven units and four fields of study, the biggest of which are business administration, and social services and health promotion. The number of hospitality management students is also large. The total number of students is nearly 8,000.

Regular exchange of experiences

The increase in the popularity of the retailer entrepreneurship path in the educational institutions is visible in Kesko in many ways. In September, a related event with an extensive audience of teachers from all of the 14 polytechnics was organised in Katajanokka, Helsinki.

The meeting agenda included a presentation of updates made to the study platform and an exchange of experiences. Marketing the retailer entrepreneurship path to students was discussed widely.

- In future, these meetings will be arranged on a regular basis, says Matti Vornanen.

-The best thing about the meeting were discussions among experienced and novice participants, said Esa Anttila of Oulu University of Applied Sciences and Tuula Miettinen of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences.

Hanna Heinänen learns department store operations bit by bit

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:47:22 GMT

"I stopped to seriously think about a career in retailing after a short experience of working life. I had ended up in IT towards the end of my economics studies, but I soon came to the conclusion that at that stage, it was still easy to change the course. Admission to the K-trainee programme was a perfect start for a retail career. I was also lucky in the sense that I had the opportunity to start as a K-trainee in K-citymarket Nummela.

If the progress of my studies for a Master's Degree in economics and business administration did not follow the manuscript, the beginning of my K-trainee programme was not too ordinary either. On the second day as a K-trainee, I was present at the meeting of the sales management team of the Southern Finland District. The specialist terminology and concepts, such as 'carrying at fair value', or 'measurement', 'impairment' etc. were not at all clear to me. But since then, I have found out their actual meanings in practical work.

Small things are not insignificant

The beginning of my K-trainee path has been full of different but also very interesting things. Plans have sometimes changed on the fly, but the colourful days have gone quickly. The beginning of the trainee period was like completing a jigsaw puzzle, trying to see the big picture. Only the massive number of pieces has been a surprise.

A department store consists of a multitude of operations, invisible to outsiders. Their smooth combination is an absolute necessity for a successful result. The concrete reality reveals itself gradually when you work in different parts of the organisation. A seemingly minor example is the cash office work after the shift at the checkout, which made me realise why payment card receipts do have to be systematically arranged in the till. Optimum efficiency cannot be achieved without uniform practices and willingness to follow them.

At this stage of the K-trainee programme, there are still many pieces of the department store operations puzzle to be found. But if learning new things continues as well as until now, I'm confident that by the end of my K-trainee programme, I will have gained a solid foundation to continue on my retail career path."

K-trainee can motivate, suggest new ideas and question

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:54:29 GMT

"At the beginning of June, I started as a Kesko Food K-trainee in K-market Ruoholahti. I was warmly welcomed but I soon realised that both the retailer and the staff had high expectations of me. So, it was clear from the start that respect could only be earned by a humble attitude and diligence. More than once, people have thought I am a retailer trainee, which, on the other hand, is flattering!

By now, I've also seen how a bigger store operates, as I worked in K-supermarket Munkki throughout September. Today, I tried mincing meat according to the instructions of a specialist, which was really exciting for a 26-year-old beginner!

Pride and motivation from work

I've been lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many truly wonderful and professional people in such a short time. Changing from one store to the next has introduced an abundance of new faces to me. I've especially noticed how well the retailers have succeeded in selecting and training their staffs.

In my opinion, the expertise, level of service and activity of people working in K-stores are superior compared to the competition. People are motivated and enjoy their work, which also reflects on customers. I admit that it has also influenced my motivation. I'm proud to be able to say that I work in a K-food store.

Don't hesitate to ask

The induction of a trainee requires a lot from the store personnel, but my training has been patient and nice. I've been able to do a lot and my responsibilities have increased. It's been nice to see how I, as a new staff member, have also been able to bring something new to the daily work of the other staffs just by being myself, in other words, by asking questions and questioning things. In many cases, both they and I have learnt something new. I'm especially happy about it, because learning is my job. If I can teach something to others, I'm even happier. I still have a lot to learn and my path has only started, but I'm getting there at a good pace!

Next, I'll meet another group of new co-workers in an even bigger store, K-citymarket Koivukylä in Vantaa. The opportunities to receive as intensive training as this are few. Therefore, I feel really lucky and privileged to be able to work with such absolute retail professionals!"

K-rauta retailer Merja Karhu is the Kouvola Woman of the Year

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:59:16 GMT

Merja Karhu says that she was very surprised and confused but extremely proud of the honour. "I consider this as recognition for the work I've done with my family and my terrific staff over the years."

This was the seventh time that the Kouvola Associated Club of Business and Professional Women, BPW Finland selected the Kouvola Woman of the Year. According to the club, Merja Karhu, who has been an entrepreneur since 1988, is an encouraging example of a woman who uses her skills and talent to benefit many sectors: training, business and industry, while also exercising influence in society.

At the beginning of her retailer career, Merja Karhu specialised in interior decoration. Since 1995, she has been running the K-rauta store in Kouvola and the Rautia store in Inkeroinen. The firm has grown and developed all the time it has been in business despite economic fluctuations.

"Our firm currently has 50 permanent employees, about half of whom are women", says Karhu. "Construction and renovations are long-term investments, and today both men and women participate in decision-making and planning in cooperation with professionals."

Karhu is an influential person on a nationwide basis: she holds positions of trust in the planning and working groups of the K-rauta chain. She has been a member of the Chain Executive Committee since 2008.

Family and competent staff support the retailer

Merja Karhu enjoys working as an entrepreneur. "It's a pleasure to serve customers and make successful deals while, on the other hand, being a retailer, you have to be able to organise various functions, manage and analyse the financial process, innovate something new and keep up to date by studying," she says. She has a competent staff and a family to provide support.

With this selection, the Kouvola BPW Finland Club aims to highlight women's knowledge, skills, proficiency and vision in the development of society.

"We want to encourage women and girls to use their skills and talent in education, career, business, science, politics and society," says Chair Hely Toivainen.

Headmasters visit K-citymarket

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:27:13 GMT

The participants of the two-day coaching event in Oulu included school headmasters from northern and central Ostrobothnia. Divided in small groups, they were given information on Oulu enterprises and their systems and practices of change management.

Headmasters participating in the Rexi coaching programme were hosted by Kesko's District Director Jari Saarinen (right) and Department Store Director Elina Krogerus (second from right).

Views on store management and competence requirements

The headmasters were welcomed to K-citymarket Raksila by Department Store Director Elina Krogerus. At the end of the day, she took the guests to Kesko Offices where District Director Jari Saarinen told them more about Kesko and K-stores.

The topics covered included differences between school and business management, motivating people to reach their objectives, different aspects of leadership, continuous change in the retail environment, and competence requirements.

In addition, the participants discussed what kind of cooperation Kesko and educational institutes could have, and how schools would benefit from educating future operators.

New understanding of the world of enterprise

Kesko is a participant in the Industry and Commerce's Programme for Young People 2009-2011, which is targeted to teachers, study advisors, headmasters, education decision-makers in municipalities, and teacher education. The programme promotes partnerships between the business sector and educational institutes by increasing the education sector's knowledge of the business sector.

The objective of the youth programme is to help young people in their study and career choices and to ensure the availability of competent people for the business sector.

Cheerful checkout clerk Natalia is the most positive resident of Kotka

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:50:15 GMT

Natalia was embarrassed, as the nomination came as a great surprise.

"My kitchen table at home is full of flowers! Last year, some of the customers told me that they had voted for me. Still, I didn't believe that an ordinary checkout clerk like me could be selected," says Natalia with a laugh.

Picture: A familiar customer gives Natalia Martikainen a congratulations hug.

A smile is contagious - you'll notice it right away when talking to Natalia.

"I just happen to be cheerful by nature. And if I have something on my mind, I won't show it to customers."

"I have had a sad period in my life, but it helped when I found hobbies where I meet lots of people," Natalia says. She enjoys the company of other people and so does the whole good-humoured Martikainen family.

Energy from other people

"I really like my work, because here I meet many people. They give me energy. I have got acquainted with many of the customers and I've even made friends with some," says Natalia, who has worked for K-citymarket Kotka for seven years.

Natalia, who originally comes from Moldova, has improved her Finnish skills to an excellent level through conversation.

Many of K-citymarket Kotka's customers know Natalia Martikainen and her friendly approach. Some of them even choose to queue at Natalia's checkout, even though there might be other checkouts available. Many have also come to the store for the first time to see Natalia, after having heard of the nomination.

Loads of feedback

Natalia gets loads of feedback from customers. She has saved all the feedback and has a high pile of thank-you letters at home.

"I always wish the customer a nice day and occasionally someone says that it felt good to hear that. It's so nice to see customers leave the store with a smile on their faces."

New Presidents for Anttila, Asko and Musta Pörssi

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:04:22 GMT

Ari Akseli, appointed as Anttila Oy's President, will also continue in his present position as K-citymarket Oy's President. Kesko aims to achieve significant synergy benefits by intensifying cooperation between Anttila and K-citymarket Non-Food and their control. Customers will continue to see Anttila and K-citymarket department stores as separate brands.

Ari Akseli joined Kesko in 1995. His positions prior to the one he now holds include Vice President of Kesko Food's Commerce unit, Vice President of K-citymarket Food, and Department Store Director of K-citymarket Jumbo and K-citymarket Myyrmanni in Vantaa, as well as K-citymarket Imatra.

Jussi Mikkola, appointed as Indoor Group Ltd's President, joined Kesko in 1982. His previous positions in Kesko include President of Musta Pörssi Ltd and Intersport Finland Ltd, and Chain Director and Department Manager of Kesko Sports.

Leena Havikari, appointed as Musta Pörssi Ltd's President, joined Kesko in 1988. She will transfer to the new position from the duties of Development Director in the home and speciality goods division. Her previous positions in Kesko include Managing Director of Kesko Shoes.

Kesko announced 7 June 2010 that Matti Leminen, member of Kesko's Corporate Management Board and the president in charge of the home and speciality goods division had been appointed to head Kesko's e-marketing and services project. Until now, he also acted as Anttila Oy's President.

For the good of the environment

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:27:00 GMT

Erja Mähönen is a motivated trainer for K-environmental stores and also therefore, a frequent visitor in K-food stores. In April, Erja held training sessions for the staffs of the new K-supermarket Kangasala near Tampere.

“When doing my shopping, it often happens that I’ll be about to walk through the swinging doors to the rear areas of the shop to ask about something when I’ll remember that I’m not a work, and must stay on the shop side,” Erja says with a chuckle.

Tight grip on development

Mähönen, who is unreserved and enthusiastic, describes her field of work as inspiring, as it is constantly offering something new. Technology brings new possibilities, as do more environmentally friendly attitudes. While the increase in the amount of information can cause pain, it also opens up new possibilities for operating in more environmentally friendly ways.

“More and more Finns are buying organic. Although according to the Mitä Suomi syö (“What Finns eat”) study carried out last autumn only 41 per cent of Finns buy organic products at least once a month, the figure is already twice as high as the corresponding figure a few years ago.

Mähönen also has good news about the product range of K-stores. When Pirkka’s inexpensive price image is combined with organic, this overcomes the organic products’ expensive image:

“When Pirkka organic products are displayed clearly, they are more often purchased even by those people who rarely buy organic.”

Modest communications a challenge for environmental stores

Over 10 years, the environmental store concept has become an objective which all retailers of the K-Group are encouraged to pursue. Although 460 stores participated in the concept at the beginning of the year, not all consumers are yet familiar with it.

“We have done a lot of good, but didn’t think about informing people about it in a sufficiently visible and audible way. Finnish shyness kicks in, and nobody dares to open their mouth until everything is surely perfect."

"Say something when you are planning measures and say something the moment you get results,” is Mähönen’s recommendation for environmental store staff.

For the common good

Mähönen reminds us that responsibility brings friends: doing something for the common good makes for good corporate citizenship.

“Retailers are familiar with their locality and know best what motivates people and what kinds of campaigns appeal to their customers. If environmental issues are currently visible in a store mostly during theme weeks, these could be brought to the fore on a more day-to-day basis, too,” Mähönen says.

In addition to communications, Mähönen includes the sufficiency of personnel as one of the challenges for environmental stores..It is important that the retailer is supported in environmental work by a sufficient number of environmental representatives and everyone is aware of the correct procedures.

“Many environmental stores have outlined the store’s arrangement methods on a single sheet of paper so that visiting product demonstrators or part-time shelf stackers can easily arrange shelves according to the instructions.”

K-environmental store in a nutshell

K-retailers’ environmental management is based on the K-environmental store concept. K-environmental stores pay extra attention to the store’s environmental impacts and their reduction. The concept is the only one of its kind in Finland.

The K-environment store concept is in use in the K-citymarket, K-supermarket, K-market, Rautia, K-rauta and K-maatalous stores. Of the K-food stores 460 are K-environmental stores and the number is constantly rising.

The aim is to train K-environmental stores’ entire personnel to become environmental experts.

K-environmental stores focus on five issues. The environmentally sound product ranges and shelf edge markings play a key role. The reduction and recycling of the store’s own waste are also important, as are energy management and cleaning practices. The fifth pillar consists of environmental advice and recycling services offered to consumers.

At environmental stores, consumers are offered the possibility to consume responsibly. Selections include environmentally sound and ethically produced products, such as organic, eco-labelled and Fairtrade products. Customers are given information on products’ environmental impacts and ethical matters.

Responsible consumers will choose K-environmental stores, as these take active steps to reduce the environmental impacts caused by them and offer their customers a good selection of responsible products.

Text: Mariaana Nelimarkka, K-ruokakauppa-lehti 5/2010

Miia Lehto repairs cars

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:40:14 GMT

A grey Volkswagen, whose owner had crashed it into a concrete pillar in a parking facility, has just been brought in.

– We repair lots of bumper dents, which take an hour or two. If we have to remove very many parts, the repair may take even three days, says Miia Lehto.

One of the most challenging operations is windscreen replacement, which requires special attention.

– The windscreen must be cut out neatly and the gluing of a new one must succeed at the first attempt, so that you don't have to do it again. In fact, succeeding in the most difficult jobs is most rewarding.

Experience creates routine and rhythm

The next repair is a major one: a badly damaged right rear corner of a car.

– I'm only starting my career, which is why I cannot perform any very difficult jobs yet. When necessary, I consult the more experienced colleagues and believe that when I gain more experience, I also find the routine and rhythm.

Although cars seem to be coming in like on a conveyor belt, Miia is not tired.

– I like my work, because I can do it independently and at my own pace. Each case is different. I can see the results of my work, and it is especially gratifying to see a happy customer when he or she gets the car back from repair. I definitely want to continue doing this.

From car cleaner to repairer

Miia Lehto ended up in a male-dominated sector after working as a car cleaner at a service station. She gradually became increasingly interested in the vehicles and applied for a related study programme.

Last spring, Lehto received a qualification in car body repairing from TTS' (Työtehoseura) adult education programme. Thanks to her good performance at VV-Auto during the practical training period, they hired her for the summer.

Miia Lehto says that she has felt quite comfortable in the male dominated work environment, and at least does not admit to having faced any major prejudices. She keeps in mind an instructor's motto: "If you don't have enough strength, you must use your brain".

What if you were a car, which model would you want to be?

– I like all cars, but if I had to choose, I'd be a black Audi A3. It's beautiful and compact", says Miia Lehto.

Summer job beyond compare

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:49:00 GMT

Now Antero is live and moving about. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles wanted to make the sympathetic young man come alive by offering a summer job to an assistant with a driving licence. They set up a radio spot campaign to find a suitable small firm needing a summer employee, for one thing, and a motivated assistant needing a summer job.

Good-natured campaign

"We received hundreds of good applications from really smart young men and women. Contrary to our first plans, we hired two people - one male and one female - and so we have now Antero the Assistant and Annukka the Assistant," says Marketing Manager Jaana Ehrnrooth, who was responsible for creating the campaign in Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

When selecting companies, the focus was on firms in which the assistants' Transporters would be in daily use with plenty of visibility. The target was, after all, to promote the brand marketing of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

"The aim was create a good-natured campaign to enhance brand awareness. And the first stage of the campaign has already shown that it pays off to try something new and slightly different," says Ehrnrooth, satisfied.

After the school year, outdoor work is nice

The 22-year-old Vesa Pylkkänen, chosen as Antero the Assistant, says that the campaign made him go to the Internet to look for more information.

"A summer job with a vehicle sounded so attractive that I put in my information right away. It seems that my honest and concise application combined with the brisk and motivated attitude made the impression, and here we are," says Pylkkänen.

"I work for Kuoppala Finland Oy, a Jyväskylä-based company specialising in the planning of yards and green areas. I've been transporting goods from construction companies to building sites and assisting in many kinds of work."

Pylkkänen likes his easy-going fellow workers and says that the job has been up to his expectations; working outdoor is nice after a long year at school. When driving around Central Finland, the long Transporter with graphics telling about a summer job beyond compare cuts a dash.

"People take a long look and some have been asking about my summer job and the vehicle."
Vesa hopes that he will be able drive the Transporter until the end of August when he will continue his studies of automation technology at the Jyväskylä Polytechnic.

Antero the Assistant Vesa Pylkkänen with his new boss Anssi Kuoppala.

Annukka the Assistant's vehicle also attracts attention

Jenna Permanto from Espoo, who was chosen as Annukka the Assistant, has also attracted attention on the road.
"I hope that the reason is my Transporter's visual appearance, not my driving skills," she says with a laugh.

The number of kilometres driven by Jenna during the summer will certainly be high. She is employed by Corner Stone, an event organising company, whose instruments and sound reproduction equipment she is transporting to various festivals and events.

Annukka the Assistant Jenna Permanto with her boss Jukka Oja

You can read more about the summer jobs of the two assistants in Finnish on the Volkswagen website www.volkswagen-hyotyautot.fi and in Facebook, where the bosses will add their comments, too.

Pekka Auveri designs children’s clothes for K-citymarkets

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:42:51 GMT

Children’s clothes at K-citymarkets represent Finnish design. Pekka Auveri, Erika Appelström and Piritta Salmela are the names behind the Napero brand for babies, the Lotta and Lassi brands for little children and Young Spirit for school kids and cool kids.

This summer’s designs appeared in K-citymarkets only recently. The designers, however, are already thinking about next spring, seeking information and inspiration from trend books, fashion magazines and websites.

Safety above all

The characteristics of high-quality children’s wear include washability and durability. And the clothes must be comfortable to wear. The K-citymarket chain tests all materials or requires a certificate of testing from the supplier. The dyes and fabrics must meet rigorous quality requirements. The clothes must not contain harmful chemicals.

Strict safety requirements apply to children’s clothing from the beginning of the design process: children’s wear must not, for example, have drawstrings that could get caught on objects. Hoods must be detachable.

“We take no risks whatsoever in terms of safety,” Auveri says.

Computers and creativity

Using a computer, Auveri produces designs that include detailed instructions for manufacturers: measurements, materials, colours. Based on trend forecasts, the design team compiles colour charts for the entire collection at the beginning of the design process.

Every detail, such as the shape of drawstrings or loops and stitching style, is carefully explained to the manufacturer. The designs are based on normal size ranges, but many of the clothes fit children of varying sizes because of rib-knit waistbands and adjustable elastic bands. Some designs are available in large sizes.

The designs are e-mailed to factories in such locations as China, Pakistan, India and Portugal. The patterns are made in the factories, which complete product samples and send them to Finland for review.

“I test the samples on dressmaker’s dummies to see that everything is as it should be. I may still make little tweaks if something in the design seems not to be working. I select the exact colours from patches supplied by the manufacturers.”
Work is fun

Pekka Auveri enjoys his work with children’s clothing. The designs are in high demand – the team was recently rewarded with a trip to Milan.

“My work with colours, materials and fashion is great fun. The working environment is very vibrant and inspiring. And it’s always nice to spot one of your designs on the street.”

“Overalls come at different prices. The most expensive models are water-resistant and windproof,” Pekka Auveri says.