Part 7:
Having spent my career in large retail companies with national and global footprints, I learnt the intricacies of stock management from my managers, peers, team, training programmes and hard-earned experience. I never lost motivation as whenever I started to feel restless and in need of a new challenge, I was given a new Department to get my teeth into, and as a result, my team would grow in size. It was during one of these restless periods that an opportunity for redundancy came up.
Initially, I wasn’t sure about going out on my own. I had got used to the security and benefits that came with working for a big company. As my children were getting older and I needed to be more flexible to support them, the idea of working for myself became more appealing. And so, I took my first steps into a freelance role, offering my experience to help other companies succeed.
Today, I run my own consultancy business, helping retailers navigate the complex world of stock management, supplier coordination, and strategic planning. Each client brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. What I love most is seeing the tangible impact of my advice and strategies on their businesses. The same strategies that I had honed while moving through different areas in the larger retailers now seamlessly apply to my clients. It is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work – seeing how best practices from corporate environments can work just as effectively in smaller retailers.
The retail landscape has been particularly tricky in recent years, with global economic uncertainties and unpredictable factors like extreme weather affecting business. Yet, it’s these challenges that make my role so fulfilling. It’s about trading through the unpredictability—pulling in stock early or pushing it out later, adapting to whatever comes our way.
I have, also, realised that my overall understanding of retail extends beyond stock levels. I can provide top-level advice on so many other areas such as Marketing, Buying, Design, IT or Finance to name a few. These all need to be considered when running a retail business and I have learnt how these come together and affect the overall profit of a business. Seeing my clients succeed through the knowledge that I pass on brings a huge sense of accomplishment.
An unexpected but massively appreciated and enjoyable aspect of my solo journey has been the world of networking. I have been able to attend business events, speak on webinars, and be the compere at trade fairs. These have all expanded my horizons and allowed me to connect with other professionals who share my passion for retail. It’s a reminder that there’s always something new to learn and a fresh perspective to gain. Before, when having a tough time at work, there was always a colleague’s shoulder to cry on who would offer me advice and share how they worked through the problem; now, I can turn to other consultants who I’ve met through this part of my journey and do the same. I didn’t know where my path would lead once leaving the corporate world but it’s a step I’m glad I took.
