A Day in the Life: Placemaking Edition - James Julian

James Julian is the Retail Performance Manager for Savills managed Livingston Designer Outlet, and James' first role in the sector, after an extensive background in retail.

Morning Routine:

My morning routine has improved significantly since I moved from Leith, on the east side of Edinburgh, to the west side. My commute has gone from a lengthy 1 hour and 15 minutes to just 20 minutes – an absolute dream! This change has allowed me to squeeze in a bit more beauty sleep.

My mornings usually start in one of two ways. Either I wake up at 6 a.m., quickly throw on some gym clothes, grab my pre-packed bag with work attire, and get in a training session before my 9 a.m. start; or I kick off my day with a shower while belting out whatever tunes I’m currently into. Afterward, I make sure my dog is walked and settled for the morning until his midday walk with the dog walker. I also take a moment to tidy up any mess my partner has left behind before heading out the door.

During my drive to work, I love listening to audiobooks – lately, it’s been Stephen Fry’s Mythos (a fantastic listen for any mythology geeks). It’s the perfect way to ease into the day.

Workday Highlights:

As many of my peers have mentioned, no two days are the same, and that’s what makes retail and property management so exciting. I usually start my day with a walk around the outlet to ensure everything is set for another day of delivering the best possible experience for our guests. During my walk, I catch up with retailers, then head back to the office to review the previous day’s sales.

I like to check in on brands that may be having a tougher week to see where I can offer support, and I make sure to recognise those brands that are performing exceptionally well. This is the most rewarding part of my role – engaging with people and helping where I can to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

After that, it’s typically a mix of answering emails, planning for the upcoming days, or collaborating with colleagues on future initiatives. In retail, it’s always important to think ahead.

Lunchtime Escape:

Lunchtimes usually involve a quick gym session if I didn’t make it in the morning, as there’s one within walking distance. I’m a big advocate for getting outside and recharging during lunch, as I’m sure many people – myself included – have fallen into the habit of working straight through and ending the day feeling drained.

Post-Work Delights:

Outside of work, I’ve recently moved from a flat to a house, so that’s been keeping me busy. However, when I do have free time, I love spending it with my partner, dog, friends, and family. I enjoy exploring Edinburgh and discovering its hidden gems – there’s always something new to experience. And, being a bit of a gamer, just hand me a PS5 controller, and I’m content for the evening.

Closing Thoughts:

A day in the life of someone working in shopping centre management is a dynamic mix of problem-solving, customer service, and strategic planning. It requires a keen eye for detail, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, and the skill to maintain a positive, thriving environment for both tenants and shoppers.

The role is challenging yet rewarding, as it involves not just overseeing daily operations but also shaping the overall experience of a space that brings people together. At the heart of it all, shopping centre management is about creating a seamless, enjoyable environment where businesses and communities can flourish.

If you're looking for new opportunities with Placemaking, or if you're looking to boost your network within the sector, please reach out and I'd be happy to have a discussion!

Contact: [email protected]