BROADVIEW TV Film Produktion

German Dynasties: Deichmann

For many years now, the name "Deichmann" has been synonymous for reasonably-priced shoes in Germany. From his father's small shoe shop in Essen-Borbeck, Dr. Heinz-Horst Deichmann created the biggest shoe empire in Europe.

How on earth can a company make so much money when it provides its employees with outstanding social benefits, invests millions in charity projects in India and Africa each year and even gets glowing reports from the trade union? BROADVIEW TV has been commissioned by WDR to investigate the secret of success behind the chain of shoe shops based in Essen which is today run by Heinrich Deichmann, the third generation in the family. The documentary tells the extraordinary story of a family business which manages to combine principles of Christian charity with a ruthless entrepreneurial approach.