La Loupe Garmisch-Partenkirchen No. 5

engl. / As one enters Bimo’s Kinderladen at
the heart of Garmisch-Partenkirchen it immediately
becomes clear that the owner, Marion
Hibler, has turned her passion into her profession
here. Parents and children immediately
feel welcome– no matter if they spend their
time doing jigsaw puzzles or browsing through
the range of high-quality branded goods and
second-hand items to find the new favourite
piece. La Loupe spoke with the owner about
bestsellers, the development of children’s
fashion, and the challenges of the 21 st century.
*
L.L. Ms. Hibler, Bimo’s Kinderladen has become a kind of
institution in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. How did it all start
and why did you want to open your own store?
M.H. Before I took over the children’s shop in 1996 it had
been a second-hand shop for five years until my predecessor
took it over for three years. That means that the shop
has been where it is now for 29 years – also thanks to the
wonderful landlords that have supported me through all
those years. Only thanks to them have I been able to grow
continuously and I am very thankful for that.
I am a trained retail saleswoman and I always enjoyed
working with people. It lets you make a connection with
the people you work with. Some regular customers were
really sad when their children were too big to shop here.
And meanwhile I even get children from back then who shop
here with their own children. And some holidaymakers have
also become loyal regular customers.
L.L. Your shop is and always has been located in an old
farmhouse which is protected as a historic monument.
What has changed here over the years?
M.H. Children’s fashion has changed a great deal. I notice
that it increasingly follows the grown ups’ trends. And
children’s fashion consciousness has increased, too, some
even start in kindergarten. Aside from that the internet has
a strong influence on how people shop, a lot of things are
ordered online. However, I think it’s important to be able to
touch what you buy because that’s the only way to assess
the quality.
Shopping &
Lifestyle
“Meanwhile the
children from back
then come and
shop with their own
children.”
“At Bimo’s I remain
true to my own
casual style.”
L.L. Bimo’s Kinderladen is quickly approaching 30.
Do you have a product that’s a true bestseller?
M.H. The pieces by Anouk et Emile have been bestsellers for
eight years, especially with tourists. The collection focuses on
Bavarian tradition but is still wearable in Germany’s north,
too (laughs).
L.L. From baby accessories to traditional costume and
pyjamas – you really do stock something for everyone.
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