Full Service for Gas Stations, Retail and Truck Stops
Interview with Nico Eggers, Managing Director of Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH
Some company names immediately allow conclusions about the offer or philosophy. This is not the case for Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH in Stuhr. The name might suggest that a particularly risk-taking enterprise is at work here. Managing Director Nico Eggers explains in the interview with a wink: 'Our name has nothing to do with reckless actions. 'Tollkühn' is the surname of our founder, and our approach as a full-service partner for gas stations is solid and efficient.'
The success story of Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH began in the 1970s with the first self-made products. As a taxi driver, company founder and namesake Horst Tollkühn realized there was a lack of accessories for cold winter days. The seat covers that his wife sewed for him quickly became popular in the taxi industry in Bremen. Due to growing demand, the product range was soon expanded, and inquiries from truckers and businessmen from the gas station sector followed. In 1981, Horst Tollkühn opened a store on Hamburger Straße, the first step towards the formal expansion of the company. The store served not only as a sales outlet but also marked the beginning of supplying gas stations.
Basics of Expansion
In 1983, the Tollkühn family took over a retail business at the SVG Autohof Brinkum on Bremer Straße. This was where the so-called Truckershop was established, offering a wide range of products and laying the foundation for the supply of gas stations and truck stops throughout Germany. "Expanding the range on a national level was an important developmental step," adds Nico Eggers. "Another milestone was transforming the retail business into Trucker Shop Service H. Tollkühn GmbH in 1990." Recruiting the first field service employees laid the groundwork for the company's future expansion.
Focus on Cars and Trucks
In the following years, Tollkühn Shoppartner established itself as a significant partner in the car and truck accessories sector, particularly through collaboration with a major oil company and the expansion of the core business to gas stations and truck stops. The focus on car and truck accessories and the extension of the product range to urban gas stations and non-food items contributed to further consolidation of market position. The Tollkühn brand became increasingly known as a synonym for reliable supply and comprehensive assortment.
Successful Management
Today, Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH is led by Nico Eggers, Michael Wetjen, and Uwe Eggers. Nico Eggers has been with the company since 2015 and has been one of the three managing directors since the beginning of 2024. As a 100% shareholder, Michael Wetjen significantly steers the company's fortunes. Under their joint leadership, Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH has developed into one of the leading full-range suppliers of truck, car, and many other shop items in Germany. The company now employs around 120 employees and achieves an annual turnover of about 40 million EUR.
Needs-Oriented Offering
The product portfolio includes a wide range of items, including truck and car accessories, lubricants, toys, copy paper, and other non-food items. Notable brands include 'All Ride' and 'Dunlop'. 'All Ride' is a private label specially designed for the gas station sector, offering cost-conscious customers an attractive range. 'Dunlop' is distributed under license and offered in retail. Both brands have achieved strong results in tests. The extensive product range is tailored to the needs of gas stations and truck stops, including both classic car goods and special non-food items.
Local Service
The sales strategy of Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH is divided into two main channels: the service station area and retail. The field service covers the entire federal territory and thus plays a central role in the support and advice of customers. Field staff are equipped with tablets to efficiently record and manage orders. They advise customers on-site, check the assortment, and offer tailor-made solutions – a key to the success of Tollkühn.
Digital and Sustainable
Digitalization is highly prioritized at Tollkühn. The company operates two modern warehouses, including a robot-controlled picking warehouse, which optimizes the administration and shipping of goods. Personnel and invoicing organization is also done digitally. Customers can track the shipping status using tracking links. Sustainability is another important aspect of the company's strategy. The packaging is made from recycled material, and the carton is automatically tailored to the amount of goods to reduce waste. The packaging of the own brand ‘All Ride’ is designed to be particularly environmentally friendly. Even the stretch film for pallets contains 25% recycled material.
Clear Goals
Tollkühn relies on experience, flexibility, and a strong customer orientation as success factors. Long-term employee retention and an open company culture contribute to stability and a positive working atmosphere. The company pursues clear visions for the future, including further expansion in Austria and Switzerland, as well as strengthening the retail sector in Germany.
Secured Development
The mix of tradition, innovation, and a strong focus on customer orientation makes Tollkühn Shoppartner GmbH a dynamic and future-oriented company. The long-standing experience, the commitment of the staff, and the succession secured by Nico Eggers guarantee success and development in the coming years.