To All The Retail Heroes...
Having cut my career teeth at Evans I am so hugely saddened to read of the news surrounding Arcadia at the moment - whilst it's wonderful that some of the brands will remain active through ASOS, it's heart breaking for the thousands of retail staff whose jobs are at mercy.
Whilst the owner of this company is somewhat of a modern day villain (boy, could I tell you a story or two), the people who have worked so hard to keep these stores on our UK highstreets for so long are superheroes in their own right.
Early mornings, late nights, long shifts, floor moves, heavy lifting, size cubing, store cards, window changes, Christmas launches, celeb collabs, toilet cleaning, delivery processing, unpaid breaks, more floor moves, head office visits, hiring and firing, ordering stock... and stationary, cashing up, team therapist, key holder, team training, service with a smile, store playlists on repeat, sales incentives, promo launches, promo changes, promos ending, reprices, facing up, folding, scanning and packing - these are a few of those retail things...
As a self confessed shopaholic, myself (and my pals) grew up on the UK high street - whether it was spending weekends going into every shop to try on everything we could squeeze ourselves into. Or getting our first little Saturday jobs in fashion retail (discounted clothes? Big win!). And then going onto study fashion at Uni (friends) or climbing the greasy pole of retail management (me) it has been a huge part of our lives. The uncountable crazy highs, beyond passionate people and some exceptionally steep learning curves without doubt made me the person I am today.
Then in April 2019, after 15 years in retail I was made redundant and had to leave the team that I had lovingly worked so hard to develop. But this turned out to be the proverbial rocket I needed to propel me into something new and exciting.
I decided to try my chances moving away from retail and learn something new. This was really scary, I had the usual imposter syndrome thoughts of, 'no one will want me', 'I'm not experienced enough', 'I'm too old to learn new things' etc, etc, etc.
But not one to give up easily, I spent 2 weeks only applying for jobs that were outside of my comfort one, just to see what would happen.
Long story short... (because this is already long enough, sorry!) by the end of May 2019 I was walking into a wonderfully unique tech company to start my first day. The nerves were real, but I got stuck in and did my best - 18 months & one ongoing pandemic later and I am delighted to report that taking a chance on trying something new was one of the best things I've ever done.
So to all my fellow retailers - past and present - if I can do it anyone can! Because if you can handle the wild ride of retail, believe me - you have tonnes of transferable skills at your fingertips!
Look for the companies you want to work for, not the ones you think will take you. Because something really amazing could be waiting for you just around the corner.
Sending you all the luck in the world, and if anyone would like help with CV writing, interview prepping or just a chat my virtual door is always open.
Anna x
Internal Communications Manager | Screwfix
4 年Great article Annalise Silver - agree if you can handle working in retail, you can handle anything!
Supporting those in the homeslessness sector to recognise and instil sustaibable life skills for those who have experiened homelessness and disadvantage.
4 年I feel it is a great shame that so many jobs won’t be saved and I truly feel that our shrinking British high street is something that we won’t realise until much later on, how important it actually was. My retail career has given me some of the best friendships I cherish to this day, I’ve seen couples flourish, babies born and all from the connection of deciding to work in stores on our great British high street. Not knowing what comes next is a feeling that can become overwhelming and scary but it can also be one that helps you to see things more clearly and be the catalyst for something greater. For anyone who has been affected; this is a moment in time that will pass. Don’t let it define you, let it grow you. Xxx
Customer Relations Advisor (out of hours)
4 年Love this. I so needed to hear this. After losing my job from Oasis last April and 20 years in retail, I have been looking for mostly retail jobs, as "who else would take me on?!". The imposter syndrome is real when it comes to talking myself out of other jobs. Its really refreshing to hear from people who have made the switch. Well done!!
Sales Team Administrator
4 年Inspirational to read
Senior Retail Operations Manager @ Castore
4 年Thank you your words are so true . The fear of starting again somewhere new is the hardest part of being made redundant. Your post is just what I needed to hear. Thank you.