Oliver Tress, founder of Oliver Bonas talks to Retail Week about his love for Paul Smith, architecture and the importance of working for a company you admire.

What was your first job in retailing?

My first retail job was running my first store in Fulham. In those days it was all hands on deck - my role varied from doing the accounts to being the cleaner, buyer, driver, health & safety officer as well as the chief executive.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

I really admire Paul Smith, because there is so much humility, integrity and confidence in what he does, I think he’s great. I also like Prada for their boldness - I don’t always like their designs but I like that about them.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

I would say my most troublesome trait is procrastination - because any decision is better than no decision.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

I have never had a specific mentor, so in my case it is my colleagues in all areas of the business.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail? 

I think it is important to work for a company that you admire and then find out all you can about why it is such a great company.  If possible, talk to the chief executive to get an understanding of the company and its strategy.

What keeps you awake at night? 

New ideas.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job? 

Experiencing the journey a product goes through, from the drawing board to the shop floor to when it becomes a top selling piece.  Validation comes from knowing all the decisions you made were right.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Seeing our first in-house designed products in store. Our products are increasingly designed in-house and exclusive so it continues to give me a sense of pride.

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

If I had not become a retailer I would have loved to work as an architect. It has always been a passion of mine – I was designing my own lakeside dream house when I was 12 years old.

What’s your favourite shop and why? 

I love Cos for their product; I admire their style, quality and attention to detail. I also love Anthropologie for the theatre and experience of shopping in their stores.

What was your last purchase?

A present for my wife, although I can’t tell you what it is for risk of her finding out! I also recently bought some shirts from Cos. 

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