My Career Journey

Like a lot of people, I fell into retail as a part-time job while figuring out what to do next. After college in Cornwall, I was applying for universities but couldn’t decide on a course. So, I took a year out and worked full-time in retail. That year turned into a career. What began as a temporary role turned into a career I love.

At 25, I joined Primark as an Assistant Store Manager in our Camberley store. Two years later, I was promoted to Store Manager, and from there, I moved to our Southampton store. The store was undergoing a huge refit extension at the time, so I stayed there and did all of that. While in Southampton, I stepped in as Acting Area Manager during a busy Christmas period - a challenge that was both hectic and rewarding. And eventually, I landed in Reading and have spent the past 8 years here as Store Manager. Retail wasn’t just a job for me; it became a career full of opportunities and growth.

Growth and Development

One of the biggest challenges for me has been moving from being a peer to being a leader. Suddenly, I was guiding people I had worked alongside and also managing multiple stores when I was Acting Area Manager. Primark’s training programs made that transition easier. From in-person courses to digital learning tools, I had access to everything I needed to develop my leadership skills. No two days are the same - you have to think on your feet and adapt quickly. The training and resources available have been invaluable in helping me do just that.

Support and Mentoring

I’ve been lucky to have incredible support throughout my career. My managers encouraged me to take on roles I didn’t think I was ready for, and that gave me the confidence to grow. I’ve also had the chance to mentor others, many of whom are now store managers themselves. Mentoring was never a formal program for me - it just happened naturally. Every time I guide someone, I learn something new too. That culture of support and development is one of the things I value most about Primark.

Opportunities Outside My Role

Being a store manager isn’t just about running a store - it’s about being part of the community. I’ve taken part in charity projects like litter-picking in Reading and volunteering with organizations that provide school uniforms and toys for families in need. We try to do something like this every couple of months. Giving back is important to me, and Primark makes it easy to get involved.

Why Primark?

For me, it’s the culture. Primark is dynamic – no two days are ever the same. It’s not a 9-to-5 job; things change quickly, and everyone pulls together to make it work. From day one, I’ve felt included and supported. I’ve always felt Primark genuinely cares about people – not just about performance, but about how you’re doing personally. There’s a real sense of belonging here, and the diversity is incredible. In my store alone, we have colleagues from over 25 different nationalities, and I’ve learned so much from working with people from different backgrounds. If you have ambition, Primark gives you the tools and support to go wherever you want in your career. All you have to do is put your hand up and go for it.