Beth Butterwick, Managing director of Bonmarché, tells Retail Week about her life working in retail.

What was your first job in retailing?

Jaeger as a temporary seasonal during the school holidays.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Apple - who doesn’t? Its products, customer scope and service experience continue to push innovation boundaries. I keep telling my nephews that’s where they need to secure their first work experience.

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

Perfectionism. While I guard this trait professionally, I tend to be hard on myself.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Tony DeNunzio, my previous chairman. He is a truly inspirational leader. This skill, without a doubt, drives success in the work place.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

If you have the passion, be prepared to start at any level. The breadth of experience as you progress will only stand you in good stead.

What keeps you awake at night?

Our next business opportunity. I keep a pad by my bedside.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Getting great feedback from our customers about their Bonmarché product and service experiences.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Proving to my parents that supporting me in a fashion career was worthwhile.

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

Journalism, as I love working with diverse people, exploring new cultures and places.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Selfridges, London. We should be proud of our global retail standards in the UK.

What was your last purchase?

Five pairs of shoes from another of my favourite shops, Paul Warmer in Amsterdam. We’ve just moved back from living there. It didn’t take them long to work out my ‘vice’. The owner would ring me when new things arrived in the shop.

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