How did you first get into retail?
“My first full retail role was while studying for a BA in Fine Art: Sculpture at degree level. I took a role in the night team at Somerfield supermarket, eventually beingpromoted to full time duty manager. I moved on to work with Robert Dyas, allowing me to work alongside homeware product for the first time. I found that the most enjoyable aspects to this role were advising customers on the ranges of products.”
When did you join England At Home?
“I applied to England At Home in Brighton in 2007. I had a good knowledge of homeware but wanted to work with design-led products rather than utility products. I was initially taken on as an assistant manager but was quickly given more responsibility. At my first year appraisal I was officially made general manager.”
What do you enjoy about working in an independent retail outlet?
“It’s allowed me to feel part of the business. The role of manager is more varied than that of a chain store in the sense that your role is spread across the entire business: from staff management to stock control, and from physical window displays to virtual website themes.”
Having joined the business 11 years ago, what’s different and what’s stayed the same?
“I arrived at the start of the recession and can see a parallel with how people are shopping today. Once again, customers are spending wisely looking for quality re-usable products that will last, with re-usable coffee cups a good example.”
When you’re not working in the shop, how do you like to relax?
“I make the most of living in Brighton. In the summer, there’s no better evening that sitting at the old West Pier site on Brighton beach watching the sun go down, the perfect way to wind down after a bustling weekend at the stores.”
Top: Peter de la Mare, shop manager at England At Home, Brighton, winner of The Greats 2018 Retail Employee of the Year 2018 category.
