Rohan Blacker, Co-founder of Sofa.com, speaks to Retail Week about his life working in retail.
What was your first job in retailing?
I took a holiday job at Arthur Purchase, the 18th century wine merchant in Chichester. It was a step back in time but was a fabulous place - it’s sadly no more though.
Which retail company do you admire most and why?
IKEA. No furniture brand has ever, and could never again, change the world in the same way.
What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?
I am far too impulsive and jump from one project to the next much too quickly, leaving things unfinished.
Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?
First and foremost our customers, whose comments always shape the business. And my business partner, Pat Reeves, who has been the most perceptive of sounding boards over the years.
What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?
Be very wary of getting sucked into constant Sales and promotions. It is an easy drug to start taking, and highly addictive.
What keeps you awake at night?
I have countless problems but sleep is not one of them.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
The variety. From the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution, there are constant and multifarious challenges and never a dull moment.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats aged 15.
What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?
I was all set to be a lawyer but, in truth, had I not been an entrepreneur I would love to have been a medic.
What’s your favourite shop and why?
Amazon is about as slick an operation as the world has ever seen. Indispensable. Despite that my favourite remains
Giles Cycles in Carterton.
What was your last purchase?
Dog food.
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