Mohammed Hussain, Managing director of Mobile Fun, speaks to Retail Week about his life working in retail.
What was your first job in retailing?
Sales consultant at Carphone Warehouse. I was working there part-time during my university years. I loved the role and always beat my targets, which was great in terms of commission.
Which retail company do you admire most and why?
Zara. I am immensely impressed with nearly all aspects of what it does, from the customer experience to its business strategy.
What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?
Stubbornness. My determination to get things done often leads to 18-hour days.
Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?
Anthony Cook, Mobile Fun’s chairman. He’s got a tireless enthusiasm for technology retailing and a great willingness to take calculated risks.
What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?
Follow your passion - nothing beats being passionate about the sector or product you are behind. It makes success a lot easier.
What keeps you awake at night?
The thought of Google going down for the day. We get a huge amount or orders through natural and paid search.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Working with an extremely talented team and being surrounded by shiny new technology.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Hiring most of the team I work with today.
What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?
Movie critic - I have always had a passion for films.
What’s your favourite shop and why?
The Apple Store. I could stay there all day.
What was your last purchase?
Pebble Smartwatch. It is amazing and connects with your iPhone or Android phone; mine landed recently as I was an early backer on the Kickstarter.com platform.
No comments yet