When a master shoemaker marries a jeweller

Back in the 1980s, master shoemaker Nisan Bangiev married a jeweller in Vienna. The couple realised they had the ideal set-up for a watch strap business, so they took over the Ritter company, which had been producing its wares in the Mariahilf district of Vienna ever since 1946. The family-run business is still producing goods from Schmalzhofgasse, in the heart of Vienna’s 6th district. The couple’s son, Jaro Bangiev, now oversees the smooth running of the company and the Ritter and Kaiser brands.

What would Bangiev like to see? “More affordable premises for businesses in the city,” laughs the Viennese entrepreneur. The company is already using every last square centimetre of the affordable space at their disposal, but it is somewhat cramped and Bangiev is keen to expand. “Space is pricy in Vienna, but it's easier for us to find suitable employees here,” says Bangiev. The Consulting team from the Vienna Business Agency provides local assistance to businesspeople and advises them on issues relating to their enterprise, suitable commercial space and other business matters. The field team has also liaised with the Business Agency’s Expat Relations team to enable Bangiev to hire a non-EU employee under the Red-White-Red Card scheme.

What’s the secret of the company’s success? According to Bangiev, it’s the fact that the family-run business has always treated its customers, partners and employees as equals. “We cultivate relationships based on trust and mutual appreciation.”

When it comes to digitalisation, the company has done its homework: all of its products are recorded in digital form. “This is an absolute must for the global market, but retailers in Austria still have a bit of catching up to do,” says Bangiev.

From Vienna’s 6th district, Bangiev’s 10-strong team of employees produces and sells its goods to customers worldwide. From custom-made items and the in-house-designed Viennese-style watch straps to orders for major clients, Bangiev delivers dependable premium quality. “We're adept at creating watch straps from fabric, metal, plastic or leather, and know our way around all the technology and machinery,” he says. “The wholesale trade values our level of skill, and our expertise and quality-conscious approach are prized by the market.”

Kaiser Leder Uhrenbänder
Ritter Exclusiv Uhrenbänder
Schmalzhofgasse 1b
1060 Wien
More information: Ritter Uhrbänder – Seit 1946 (ritter-uhrband.at)

Contact:
Sanja Pfeiffer
Tel.: +43 1 25200 652
eMail: pfeiffer@wirtschaftsagentur.at

June 2023