Q&A: Holland & Barrett owner NBTY Europe's head of food Ian Mackie on his retail career

What was your first job in retailing?

Working as a shelf stacker in a Navy, Army and Air Force Institute (NAAFI) supermarket in Germany while at school.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

It has to be Apple for allowing customers to play with products in a comfortable environment with knowledgeable, non-pushy staff on hand to help.

What is the trait you least like in yourself?

I’m not very concise. Why use one word when 1,000 will do?

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

You need to work hard and always focus on what the customer wants. Look, listen and learn and never be afraid to question decisions.

What keeps you awake at night?

I’ll wake up in the night with an idea for developing a product or category and I’ll have to write it down.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Every day is different. It’s great to have a fantastic team that is developing the offer for all NBTY Europe’s retail outlets.

What’s your proudest achievement?

In a previous job, being the first national retailer to take on One Water. All One Water profits go towards funding Roundabout Playpump water wells in Africa. It gives children somewhere to play and, while they’re playing, they pump fresh, clean water into storage tanks for the village to use. One Water is stocked in Holland & Barrett.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

A racing driver - every boy’s fantasy. Not having any ability or the money to do it put paid to that dream.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Amazon. It’s so easy to shop for almost anything, anywhere. With everyone using tablets and smartphones retailers need to embrace online.

What was your last purchase?

Some suntan lotion.