Steve Stenhouse

What was your first job in retailing?

I was a weekend shelf-stacker for a famous retailer that now, unfortunately along with many others, does not exist.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Tesco, as it continues to dominate with innovation and customer focus.

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

I struggle with shopping for myself as I end up critiquing the range and price as well as tidying the store as I shop.

This can prove frustrating for my wife and children.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Listening to customers and store teams is the most rewarding and educational way to learn in retail.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Always put the customer first. It’s a fast and furious business so you have to continually develop to keep up.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing. I sleep like a log.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Achieving results, seeing the business grow and the store teams developing their skills.

What’s your proudest achievement?

I have two happy and intelligent children. I’d like to think I’ve played a small part in their development.

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

It’s difficult to envisage life without retail - what would I do with all that spare time?

What’s your favourite shop and why?

I appreciate small, indie retailers, specifically family-owned specialist stores where you can see the passion that they have for their business.

What was your last purchase?

A new TV to watch the World Cup. Unfortunately the first and last game I saw was England versus Germany.

I may take it back as clearly there was something wrong with the 4-1 picture.