Ian Bishop

What was your first job in retailing?

I was a Saturday boy at Dixons in Skegness when I was 16 years old. It taught me a lot about customers and their shopping habits.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

I’m a fan of Marks & Spencer. It continually listens to its customers to understand exactly what it is that they want and then does its best to deliver it.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

I can be very impatient. Once a concept has been created I am eager to see the finished result.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Although I didn’t work directly with Sir Stuart Rose during his time at Booker, his whole approach and the inspiration he brought to the business was incredible. It taught me a lot about retailing.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Enter it with an open mind. You can never know too much about a business so make time to learn about how every department works.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing really keeps me awake but I do tend to have my best ideas while relaxing at home just before going to bed.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Getting new ideas over the line. Having spent a long time creating new concepts and initiatives there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing it working in store.

What’s your proudest achievement?

It has to be becoming a dad.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

A Formula 1 car designer. The precision engineering is absolutely astounding.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Bose. It fascinates me how Bose combines such quality sound and vision with sleek, elegant designs.

What was your last purchase?

Flowers for my wife.