A family business

I had just come out as gay when I took over the store. Our customers appreciated that I was so open and honest. I think that was a big step in our cooperative relationship. Over the years we’ve come to know a wide variety of people, including performers from “Startreff“ (Editor’s note: a nearby drag show). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the artists were unable to perform because everything was shut down. A few of them came to work for us on a temporary basis. For us, diversity is not just empty words, but an imperative. Here on Eigelstein, homophobia is not an issue; indeed, gay people have always been accepted. There is a sense of solidarity. We maintain positive relationships with organisations and initiatives that support immigrants. For example, they always think of the Ridders REWE store when seeking internships. So new people are constantly joining us. For some it’s the start of a new career. At first, when employees are still struggling with the language, I usually have them work in the warehouse. Most of all, work should be fun. I still spend a lot of time playing an active role in the store; I’m someone who simply has to be on the front lines. If I do these jobs, I can expect my employees to do them as well.

Born in Brazil, I have lived in Germany for the past 32 years. I was a customer before I started working here. I’m a queer DJ, that’s my main occupation. During COVID, I wasn’t able to do my regular job because everything was shut down. I didn’t want to simply wait for things to get better, so I applied for a job with Ridders. I’ve been here since 2021. The environment and working hours are very different from what I was used to as a DJ. The job is really fun. Becoming part of the group wasn’t a problem at all. Everyone has their own view of life, and that’s a good thing; we all get along very well. We just have to accept and respect one another. It’s a cultural dialogue – we learn a lot from each other. Genuine friendships have been formed, and some of my colleagues come to the parties where I perform as a drag queen.

I came to Germany from Damascus in 2015, and I’ve been with Ridders for the past five years. I really enjoy working here. It’s a home from home. It’s great to have so much contact with customers and colleagues. At first it was rather difficult because I didn’t yet know all of them. I worked to improve my language skills and continue my training at a vocational school, which was very helpful. The store is also a place where integration takes place, because we work with people of many different nationalities. We talk about the various cultures we all come from.

I was already a Ridders customer as a child; I used to go shopping there with my mum. We liked the store because of its atmosphere and because of its Turkish employees. So when I was in the ninth grade and looking for an internship, the REWE store was an obvious choice. I completed my first internship here, when I was 15. I like the casual atmosphere, the diversity. Being acknowledged and respected by colleagues is important to me. I see that as the key to positive, successful cooperation. Whether a team is large or small, it needs to stand together. I learned that working for Mr Ridders. The team is like the solid masonry that holds a building together – we’re like family and considerate of one another. We try to be there for each other and work together to solve the problems that arise. Mr Ridders has always been there for us. And we, in turn, feel like Udo Ridders’ family.

I arrived here from Ecuador 24 years ago, knowing very little German at the time. I was looking for work, and in 2001 I asked Mr Ridders for a job. Today, I know that I was lucky – to find this boss and this company. My responsibilities include dairy products and convenience foods, tidying up, and restocking the shelves. I enjoy my job. It’s fun because the boss is a great guy who puts everyone in a good mood. I’ve met people of many different nationalities and never had any problems. They’re like my second family.