Peter Marsh, Chief executive of organic supermarket Planet Organic, speaks to Retail Week about his life working in retail.
What was your first job in retailing?
I was a junior management trainee at Marks & Spencer in the golden era. I planned to stay for a year and then go to university to study law. I ended up staying for 25 years.
Which retail company do you admire most and why?
Amazon - not especially for ecommerce, but for the logistics behind same-day and next-day delivery. Also organic, independent traders for their conviction and sheer commitment to sustaining a sector that wasn’t supported by the major grocers for the past five years.
What is the trait you least like in yourself?
My inability to switch off.
Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?
My customers, definitely. They are constantly inspiring me.
What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?
It’s about people. Talk to customers and actually listen.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not a lot. I’m usually so tired I sleep like a log.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Building a successful business.
What’s your proudest achievement?
My two sons.
What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?
I still wonder about a lawyer.
What’s your favourite shop and why?
Brooks Brothers. To appreciate it you have to know the retailer’s history and innovation over almost 200 years. It has outfitted 39 of 44 American Presidents, provided the ingredients for Ralph Lauren, given us the button-down shirt, foulard ties, Argyle socks and the frock coat worn by Abraham Lincoln when he was assassinated. Food-wise, Dean & DeLuca in New York, for capturing all a food retailer’s senses.
What was your last purchase?
I’ve just purchased my first iPad because I need to keep up with my sons.
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