Michael Hughes, Operations director at Dobbies, speaks to Retail Week about his life working in retail.
What was your first job in retailing?
I worked for John Menzies on a youth opportunity programme for six months when I was 17.
Which retail company do you admire most and why?
As a shopkeeper I am impressed by the Walmart story. Its culture, retail disciplines, scale and focus has to be admired.
What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?
Impatience. I think I’m improving though.
Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?
Glenn Bowles. He taught me the art of being consistent in what you ask for and taking your team with you all the way. You can make a huge difference if you get it right.
What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?
Learn how the front end of the business works before having an opinion on how to fix the back end. You have more chance of getting the right answer for the customer and the shops that way.
What keeps you awake at night?
Rain. Weather can impact on our business but the team at Dobbies is always well prepared.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Watching people develop and seeing their careers take shape. I will never hesitate to take a chance on someone I see potential in.
What’s your proudest achievement?
As a retailer, it would be the first time I got a set of keys to run a shop. It meant someone else believed in me. As a person, it has to be my family.
What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?
I would have been a professional musician.
What’s your favourite shop and why?
Dobbies of course. I also love the Barnes & Noble store in New York.
What was your last purchase?
A camera lens from a bric-a-brac shop in the Lake District.
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