Margaret Hirsch
The Inspiring Journey of Margaret Hirsch: Empowering Women and Leading the Home Appliance Industry
1. Inception of Hirsch’s: What inspired you to co-found Hirsch’s, and how did you identify the need for a home appliance store in the market?
As it turned out I didn’t become an entrepreneur through choice but through necessity – I was fired from my job by my boss when I became pregnant after five years of being married – in those days that’s what happened. So I had no option but to start my own business. At the time I thought it was the worst thing that could have happened to me but as it turned out it was the best thing because if he had not fired me I would still probably be in some dead end job earning a living whereas I was then set free to earn a fortune.
As it turned out I didn’t become an entrepreneur through choice but through necessity – I was fired from my job by my boss when I became pregnant after five years of being married – in those days that’s what happened. So I had no option but to start my own business. At the time I thought it was the worst thing that could have happened to me but as it turned out it was the best thing because if he had not fired me I would still probably be in some dead end job earning a living whereas I was then set free to earn a fortune.
2. Empowering Women: As a strong advocate for women empowerment, how have you incorporated this philosophy into your business practices at Hirsch’s, and what initiatives have you implemented to support women in your industry?
I have always been a believer that women work harder than men, are more conscientious and much more resilient. Apart from promoting women in my own company I run networking events in all stores every month where I invite entrepreneurs to come in and network and showcase and promote their businesses – it works incredibly well.
I have always been a believer that women work harder than men, are more conscientious and much more resilient. Apart from promoting women in my own company I run networking events in all stores every month where I invite entrepreneurs to come in and network and showcase and promote their businesses – it works incredibly well.
3. Challenges in Retail: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the retail sector, particularly in the home appliance industry, and how have you overcome them?
Staffing is undoubtedly the biggest problem – to get good staff with fantastic attitudes and a good work ethic in our country is challenging and also training them in the different aspects takes time and money but in the end a happy work force means happy customers and our aim is to have happy customers who return often.
4. Customer Experience: How do you prioritize customer experience in your stores, and what unique approaches have you adopted to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty?
Customer service has always been paramount in our company and we strive to treat every customer as if they are the only customer. We hire for attitude and not for skills as skills can be taught but a positive attitude shows a good state of mind. Training is ongoing on a daily basis in service, spares, repairs and all aspects of the new and varied appliances we sell.
5. Future of Home Appliances: In your opinion, what are the key trends shaping the future of the home appliance industry, and how is Hirsch’s adapting to these changes?
Ours is an ever changing industry – never a day goes by that we are not inundated with new and innovative products which are up for sale. Deciding what to take and what to leave is a challenging aspect of our jobs but we always aim to do the best for our customers and provide them with the best products, at the best price, in the country.
6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who want to make their mark in the retail sector?
Start small, never borrow, start today wherever you are, with whatever you have but just start. Build your business one brick at a time. Plough your profit back into the business and maintain your lifestyle – don’t waste money on nails, hair, cars, houses until you have more than enough to ensure that you are financially independent and then arrange to buy your own premises, continue to educate yourself and your children and invest money until it works for you instead of you working for it.
My mission in life is to ensure that every woman on the continent of Africa is financially independent, and as a financially independent woman can provide accommodation for herself and her family. She can feed, clothe and educate them and herself and she can make her own choices to be with the people who are important to her and who can build her up to be the best she can be.