The “Grandparent Enterprises” project

Corporate Grandparents is a project created at the beginning of 2021 by several students from the Faculty of Management of the University of Warsaw. At that time they took part in the Olympic Games “Zwolnieni z Teorii”, where their task was to create a social initiative. Three young people focus on promoting the company of the elderly on the Internet, who often cannot do it alone. In the very beginning, a group of students independently sought out small local businesses to advertise, and today anyone can apply to them.

This project is a huge part of each of us co-creating it. We don’t make money from this, it’s 100% charity. It’s also a big part of me, I love reading people’s posts on social media.

The fact that our posts provide real support pushes us strongly to action and makes us want to continue to animate the Grandparents Company. Soon we will operate as a foundation. We want to act more dynamically, also in schools, so that anyone who wishes can become our volunteer.

Zofia Mańczuk, co-founder of Dziadków Biznesu, says in an interview with the WKATOWICE.eu portal

Business grandparents – Anwa in Katowice

One of the places where the media publication advertised is the “Anwa” store in Katowice, which operates at ul. Wojewódzka 2, near the Rialto Cinema Theater. It has been run by Andrzej and Wanda Wypiór for over 30 years, and despite the passage of time, they still happily stand behind the counter, waiting for customers. Experienced sellers started their business in Katowice somewhat by chance. Mr. Andrzej inherited the premises.

I inherited part of this building from my parents, so this shop is mine. You could say that this place was given to me by providence.

says Anwa store owner Andrzej Wypiór

In the Anwa store, we will not find foreign products. We can only buy products from Polish manufacturers there, which the owners proudly point out. Domestic products are high quality products with unique designs.

The idea was to promote good quality Polish products. Poland is famous for its porcelain, glass and stoneware products. Until now, we only import Polish products here. Porcelain from Karolina, stoneware from Bolesławiec, glass from Krosno – these are products that are valued not only in our country, but also in the world.

adds Mr. Andrew

During the store’s 30-year history, there have also been unusual customers and interesting situations.

There are a lot of unusual customers. Once German customers came here, thinking that the glass on the shelf was of their domestic production. They were surprised that in Poland it was priced so low, despite the fact that it was actually Krosno glass, not Germany. It turns out that they bought them here in large quantities and then resold them in their country.

the owner points out

Unfortunately, at some point, Mr. and Mrs. Wypiór noticed a decrease in interest in their assortment. There was sadness and regret, but also the desire to fight for the customer and the continued operation of the store.

There is definitely a drop. The prices are increasing because these products are mainly produced on the basis of electricity and gas, which is why the producers are also increasing the prices. In addition, many companies with which we cooperated, such as Huta Zawiercie, have ceased their activities. The drop is notable, but we manage.

we hear in the Anwa shop

Social media became the tip for the drop in demand, through which many people learned about the store. Thanks to one of the long-time customers, Mrs. Aleksandra Stasiak, Mr. and Mrs. Wypiór’s shop was reported on Dziadkowie Biznesu’s Facebook profile.

At the turn of November and December this year, looking around the shop here, I noticed Ms. Wanda’s sadness. She told me it was lacking in strength, there was less traffic and they were wondering if this point should be closed. I found out that you can try to report the store to the trade grandparents and I was successful. I hope we save this shop – the strength within us.

says Aleksandra Stasiak, the client and behind the campaign, in an interview with WKATOWICE.eu

Yes, it actually worked. Random customers advertised us, which increased interest in our store and therefore increased sales. We are grateful for the dissemination of information about our company.
says Andrzej Wypior

Despite many years in this place, Mr. and Mrs. Andrzej and Wanda do not intend to give up running their business and continue to import new products.

This store is basically our passion. We’re retired now, maybe not working anymore, but we think it excites us. We are happy that this store is generating interest and we can still work.

Andre concludes

Author: Jacob Dil