Sieglinde Islitzer-Lerch

Balancing family and career can be a difficult undertaking – especially for women. But it is possible. “Organisation is everything,” reveals Sieglinde Islitzer-Lerch, store manager at s.Oliver. Determined, responsible and focused, the Hollersbach native manages not only her family but also three shops for the international fashion label.

Sieglinde has been working for Michael Harms’ s.Oliver franchise for over 16 years. Before that, the trained sales assistant travelled throughout Austria selling merchandise for the brand. Presenting the goods in a way that boosted sales – that was her main task, and it became her passion. In 2000, she realised her dream of running her own business and took over an s.Oliver branch in Saalfelden. Her heart’s desire – to start a family – was fulfilled five years later with the arrival of her daughter Ylvy. With the birth of her second daughter, Diana, the family was finally complete.

Mittersill as a shopping destination
Sieglinde agrees with this. However, in her view, shops should offer standardised opening hours that extend through the lunch hour. “We’re open at lunchtime, but we keep hearing this request from our customers for shops to be open across the board. From a staffing point of view, closing over lunch would certainly be easier – but our customers are very grateful to us for staying open." She adds thoughtfully that this might also help to counter the rise of online shopping. The range of goods on offer in Mittersill is extensive. Nevertheless, shopping from the comfort of one’s sofa has become an integral part of modern life. “I’d like to see people shopping locally more again. Supporting one another is important to ensure the labour market is sustained and the town centre doesn’t die out. We should also think about the environment: we can buy milk, meat, eggs and much more practically from our neighbours.