IWA Column: "Focus Germany"

Since September 2025, Thomas Kind-Lundt has been part of the management team at Albrecht Kind GmbH. The 33-year-old has been with the company for almost four years, most recently as Project Manager and Head of Marketing. Going forward, he will be responsible for sales. “My goal is to make AKAH more visible and modern – with a motivated, younger sales team, a clear shooting sports initiative, and new technology,” explains Thomas Kind-Lundt.

The business graduate previously worked as a Sales Analyst at EMP and has held a hunting license for eight years. He is particularly pleased about working with his uncles Helmut and Manfred Kind, who will remain managing directors, and from January 1, 2026, also with his twin brother Michael Kind-Lundt.

AKAH’s active approach to change is also evident on an operational level: €3.1 million was invested to expand warehouse space in Gummersbach by around 40 percent – an investment that, as Thomas emphasizes, “was not a prestige project, but made for very practical reasons.” Since 2005, the number of items in the product range has increased by more than 50 percent.

In parallel, AKAH is investing in digitalization and expanding its IT department. With the newly established AKAH Sports Division, led by Michael Möglinger, the company is strategically focusing more on shooting sports. This sends a clear signal: tradition and future belong together here.

A century of finest barrel technology – that’s what Lothar Walther celebrated on July 1, 2025. The company was founded in 1925 by Lothar Walther, the youngest son of world-renowned firearms designer Carl Walther. What began as a small workshop in Zella-Mehlis, Thuringia, is today an internationally recognized company with locations in Germany and the USA.

Lothar Walther was considered a pioneer of his time: with the development of chipless barrel drawing, he laid the foundation for ultimate precision in barrel manufacturing. After war and expropriation, he rebuilt the business in Königsbronn – with tireless dedication and inventive spirit. Today, his grandsons Dr.-Ing. Frank Walther and Gerd Walther run the company in its third generation.

Under their leadership, Lothar Walther has evolved from a supplier of barrel blanks to a manufacturer of ready-to-install components – offering one of the largest caliber ranges worldwide, from hunting and sporting firearms to special applications in aerospace and medical technology.

The anniversary was celebrated in style by employees and management – with an outing under the motto “Something completely different.” After exciting races at the Bavaria Kart track, everyone raised a toast together at the Pflug Brewery in Hörvelsingen.
A day of joy – and pride in a century of innovation, craftsmanship, and consistency. The story of Lothar Walther shows: precision is not just a technical measure, but a lived passion across generations.

For over 100 years, the Alljagd specialty store Waffen Schmitt in Goch has stood for craftsmanship, personal advice, and trust. Owner Ralph Schmitt has run the master gunsmith business since 1982 in the third generation – now he is looking for a successor to continue the story.
The shop in the center of Goch, with three display windows and parking spaces right in front, offers a solid foundation. Repairs, assemblies, and restorations are carried out in the in-house workshop. The product range includes hunting, sporting, and collector’s firearms, accessories, ammunition, airguns, defense items, and hunting apparel.
A loyal customer base from Germany and the Netherlands, complemented by an online shop and sales via EGUN, ensures stable revenues. Import and export of hunting and sporting firearms within the EU are part of the business model.
The vacant apartments on the upper floor can be leased or purchased. A part-time employee can be taken over, and Ralph Schmitt is also available for support if desired.
The search is for a committed individual with expertise, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit who wants to seize the rare opportunity to take over a piece of specialty retail tradition with a future.

On the importance of Christmas and the weeks leading up to it, Stefan says: “The holiday season is very significant – together with the Black Shopping phase and, of course, New Year’s Eve. We have special Christmas promotions every year; one highlight is our Frankonia Advent calendar.”

When asked about the difference between online and in-store business during the holidays, he notes with a smile: “Online, there’s no crowding. In our stores, it’s wonderfully busy at this time of year. Online, gift cards and the Advent calendar are especially popular for last-minute shoppers.” This shows that physical stores remain an experience space, while online increasingly serves quick decisions.

Does Frankonia offer Click & Collect or similar services? “Yes, in principle. However, the ongoing challenges with shipping and delivery services remain. We often cannot influence how quickly and reliably a package arrives. So the rule is: the earlier, the better.”

On support from manufacturers and wholesalers, Stefan adds: “We welcome any ideas to boost sales. Anyone who can provide larger quantities of products at short notice is in the right place with us. We also appreciate competent sales support – especially on weekends.”
His personal conclusion: Is the holiday season fun or stress? “For a retailer’s soul, it’s primarily a dream – and pure joy.”

Planning for the holiday season at PW Store begins as early as mid-year. “Based on planning and coordination with our suppliers, the goods are in the right place at the right time,” says Hill. Logistics behind 29 locations require precision – and demonstrate how strongly organization and teamwork interlock.

Customer behavior changes noticeably during Advent. Many shoppers are looking for suitable gifts – and often treat themselves as well. “Especially in the area of self-defense, we offer a wide selection. There’s a clear increase during the darker season – and why not gift a piece of security?” In addition to these products, gift cards redeemable online or in-store are very popular.

A key success factor is PW Store’s multichannel concept. “We connect online shop and store network – Click & Collect is the bridge between both. Order and pay online, then conveniently pick up in-store.” This year, the service runs until December 21, with pickup possible until Christmas Eve – ideal for stress-free last-minute shopping. “You can order on your phone while on the go, stop by after work, and pick up your items – no waiting, no payment on site.”

Christmas also plays a role in store presentation. “Promotions and window displays are centrally managed, but there are regional differences – we’re flexible and, of course, bring some holiday spirit into the stores. After all, the eye buys too.”

PW Store focuses less on specific gift campaigns and more on assortment breadth and impulse purchases. “Higher-value products, especially in the airsoft segment, are in demand in December – people like to treat themselves or others.”

From manufacturers, Holger Hill expects one thing above all: “Reliable delivery capability so we can offer the full product range during the year-end business.”

Despite all the effort, joy prevails: “As challenging as this time is, it’s just as much fun. Team spirit and mutual support count – the better we prepare and work together as a big team, the better the results. The journey is the goal – and this journey is a lot of fun.”

Will & Apel – Holiday Spirit in Specialty Retail with Heart and Concept

Will & Apel, based in Hanover, combines hunting and sporting firearms with a wide range of outdoor and gift items. In conversation with Claudia Will, it becomes clear how intensively the holiday season is prepared and how important it is for brick-and-mortar retail.

Preparation starts early: “When do you begin planning for the holiday season?” – “Gift fairs for wrapping paper, bags, tags are visited in January/February or sometimes August.” Christmas is part of a strategic annual cycle.

On customer behavior: “The closer we get to Christmas, the faster customers decide.”

For last-minute shoppers, Will & Apel offers gift cards and small items: “Flat gifts like vouchers, socks, ties, scarves, or pocket knives. We wrap everything beautifully – even on December 24 just before closing.”

From early November, decorations start; by mid-November, everything is ready – including trees, window displays, and themed tables. “We want to make offline shopping as enjoyable as possible and inspire customers to buy locally.”

Gift ideas for hunters and shooters play a big role: “Small themed tables encourage purchases – like a ‘dog table’ with blankets, snacks, and toys in festive décor.”

Support from manufacturers? “Advertising materials, bags, and small goodies for customers.”

Final verdict: “It’s fun and stressful at the same time!”