FABER DOUBLES DOWN: NEW FLAGSHIP STORE OPENED IN VIENNA

July 2020 – An important investment in order to always stay close to customers and their needs. Particularly in this period, where individual mobility is taking on increasingly greater importance for “safe and physically-distanced” commuting and travelling. This is the challenge of the official Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Derbi brands importer in Austria – Faber GmbH – which successfully opened its second store a couple mounts ago at Praterstraße 47, in Vienna’s 2nd district. The “historic” importer has more than 70 years of experience in the motorised two-wheeler sector: alongside the first shop, Faber Roller & Bike at Carlbergergasse 66°, in the south of Vienna, a point of reference for years among motorised two-wheeler enthusiasts, now there is a second story, the new Faber City Store, for sale and service on Piaggio, Vespa and Moto Guzzi brand vehicles. Exclusive and innovative location and services, which offer a complete and emotional customer experience.

The new store therefore contributes to the international development of the Piaggio Group retail model, with more than 530 Motoplex stores opened around the world, from Italy to Europe, from Asia to the Americas (info: www.motoplexpiaggio.com. And so, Vienna also joins those other important European capitals and cities, such as Milan, London, Paris and Madrid, just to name a few, offering customers a reference point of excellence for Piaggio Group brands.
It was a brave business decision, which Josef Faber, CEO of Faber GmbH (editor’s note: in the photo below) explains in this interview.

Mr. Faber, how is your presence in Austria and your partnership with the Piaggio Group structured?
“As a family business Faber GmbH combines a deep passion for mobility and decades of experience in the Austrian two-wheel industry. For more than 70 years the successful company has been a leading figure in the Austrian market. In 1964 Faber took over the general agency of the Piaggio group in Austria.  To rely on what has proven successful and at the same time to always tread new paths is not a contradiction, it is the basis for our success.”

What evaluations were made that drove your recent investment creating the new flagship store, also considering the current economic scenario?
“As a long-time market leader in the Austrian two-wheeler market, but above all as an ambassador for the Italian lifestyle and design, which is very popular in Austria, it was and is very important to us to offer our customers a corresponding atmosphere. The urban area close to the center in Vienna was perfect for our project.”

What is the new Faber City Store like and what does it offer customers?
“The store is divided into two separate but very close showrooms, each with approx. 250m2, in which we perfectly represent the respective brand worlds - on the one hand the scooter world of the brands Vespa and Piaggio, on the other hand the motorcycle world of the Moto Guzzi brand. In addition, there is an approx. 200m2 workshop area for delivery services, accessories and customizing work, but also for quick service services.”

So complete, 360° service. How are the customers liking the new Faber City Store?

“The store opened in early May 2020. Due to the current pandemic also prevailing in Austria, the period was the worst possible. Nevertheless, despite the various restrictions (limited number of visitors, ...), we have been able to achieve extremely satisfactory sales success since the store opened and have sold over 150 new vehicles of all brands in the first 5 weeks.”

The Team: from the left, Peter Faber (Board Member), Paul Freudenschuss (CFO), Josef Faber (Faber GmbH CEO), Helmut Weginger (Faber KFZ-Vertriebs GmbH CEO) and Daniela Prugger (COO).

(Source of images and video clip: Faber GmbH).
More photos and info: www.facebook.com/FaberRollerBike

WEBSITE: FABER, OFFICIAL IMPORTER IN AUSTRIA:
www.faber.at