Bankruptcy of Kika/Leiner

“You’re more of a psychiatrist than a salesman”

The remaining 17 Kika/Leiner stores in Austria will close in January or February at the latest.(Bild: MAX SLOVENCIK / APA / picturedesk.com)

Desperate customers who lose a lot of money. Frustrated employees who have to look for new jobs just before Christmas. A traditional furniture store on the brink of collapse. The "Krone+" on-site inspection of a Kika/Leiner branch in Vienna shows the human tragedies behind the simple announcement of bankruptcy.

Actually, salesman Richard M. (name changed by the editors, note) is not allowed to say anything. The management of Kika/Leiner has imposed a strict muzzle. However, the long-serving employee no longer keeps his opinion to himself during the "Krone" on-site inspection at the Vienna West branch in Hadikgasse: