As a customer, Beverley Yates – winner of this year’s Greats Retail Employee of the Year Awards – travelled quite a distance to buy her gifts and cards from Maddison in Harborne; and then, as fate would have it, she was offered the opportunity to work there by the original owner 19 years ago.
How did you get the job at Maddison?
“I had been in my previous job for 32 years, which had evolved into a sales position in the company’s showroom, but sadly, I was made redundant in 2001. I was out shopping in Harborne when Maddison’s then owner, Hilary, asked if I would like to work there. Naturally I jumped at the chance as I had always regarded it as the best shop in the area. It was sold to Steve and Julie McHale five years ago, and I have continued to enjoy every moment.”
What do you most love about working there?
“Maddison is such a pretty shop. I love what we sell as well as interacting with the customers. In fact, I enjoy the whole package, which includes helping with the displays, doing the paperwork, and booking in and seeing reps and agents. Unwrapping packages makes it feel like Christmas every day. I’ve made so many friends over the years, and it’s lovely to see the children of our original customers coming in to shop with us too.”
What’s the best thing about working for an independent retailer?
“You get to know people. I’m always happy to drop things off at people’s homes, or to track down items for them at one of our other two stores, Bentleys in Stourport. It’s also a joy to work with Steve and Julie because they make me feel so much a part of the business. I think of Maddison as my shop. Everyone who works there is just as enthusiastic about the business and luckily, we all get on really well. I count myself very lucky to have had only two jobs in my life, both of which I’ve loved.”
How did you feel when your name was called out as winner of the Retail Employee of the Year category at The Greats in May?
“I couldn’t believe it! I said, ‘Really? Me?’ I was absolutely thrilled. It felt like such a privilege to get an award for working in a shop that I truly love.”
Top: Greats Retail Employee of the Year winner Beverley Yates is shown at Maddison in Harborne.
