Hans Stecher, 89, said the Stechers stores' success is due to the exclusivity of its line. They have been leaders in the luxury business for 67 years. The founder of Stechers in Trinidad was relaxing outside the newly-opened store in Gulf City, La Romaine, on November 2.
Asked about the store's ability to survive and expand amid the downturn, Stecher said: "People will always gravitate toward quality merchandise. "It is based on the exclusivity of the lines. We have world famous brands like Swarovsky and the Spanish Lladro. "We have stuff that is aesthetically appealing and a grand variety of perfumes.
"We have always lived up to the Stecher's name by giving people top quality products.?From the time we started, the stores were unique. "There are Trinis who will go for quality. I?have always lived up to the Stechers' name," said Stecher, who was wearing suspenders.?
Though retired, Stecher said he was working on his biography. Having left his native Austria when Adolf Hitler invaded on March 13, 1938, the family fled to Trinidad. At 15, Stecher boarded the steamer which sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. He went on to become a household name.
Reflecting on his life, Stecher said: "I?was born with a silver spoon. But it was taken away by Hitler. We started with nothing. "We came to Trinidad as refugees. We would go anywhere to escape persecution. We had to start from scratch." His advice to budding entrepreneurs: "Follow your dreams; even if you think it is unlikely to succeed."?