Simon Eastwood, Retail stores director at Kiddicare, tells Retail Week about his life working in retail.
What was your first job in retailing?
Pushing trollies in a Safeway store in Birmingham while doing my O-Levels.
Which retail company do you admire most and why?
Apple – effective simplicity, fantastic service and outstanding people.
What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?
I am really enthusiastic about everything. It can be motivational but also overwhelming for some people.
Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?
Carlos Criado-Perez – former chief executive of Safeway. He was an inspirational leader with a great vision.
What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?
Jump in, work hard, enjoy it and take every opportunity that comes your way.
What keeps you awake at night?
Delivering our first brilliant new Kiddicare store, which is due early autumn. There is a lot to do between now and then but it’s the excitement for our customers that keeps me awake, rather than any nerves.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Seeing the whole team succeed and watching people grow.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Being appointed as store manager and running my first shop in South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?
Professional golfer – in my dreams.
What’s your favourite shop and why?
John Lewis. Again, I am impressed by the service offering and its excellent team, but the product range is also brilliant. It is a one-stop shop.
What was your last purchase?
A latte for my PA this morning. I have to keep her going as we are both very busy. A coffee keeps her sweet.
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