Sanjay Vadera, Chief executive of The Fragrance Shop, tells Retail Week about his life working in retail.

Sanjay Vadera

What was your first job in retailing?

When I was 18 and at university I got my first job working Saturdays at Tie Rack.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

I see Apple as a great company and a strong brand. The product is king with innovation key to its range. The stores are uncluttered and with its trained, enthusiastic staff, offer a great customer experience.

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

I can be very demanding and impatient as I want things to be done quickly.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

I haven’t learnt from one person in particular, but I have learnt a lot from my existing management team at The Fragrance Shop. I learn something all the time.

We work closely together.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Be prepared to look at every aspect of the business, nothing must go unnoticed. Keep the customer at the forefront of your mind. They should always be your focus in everything that you do.

What keeps you awake at night?

Thinking about the next big thing for The Fragrance Shop. Other than that, I sleep well.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Ticking off each part of the strategy put in place for the year and seeing The Fragrance Shop evolve.

What’s your proudest achievement?

My two sons Dylan aged 14 and Viyan aged 11.

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

I would have gone into product development. Creating, designing, and developing brands is a big passion of mine.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Harrods for the simple reason that there is nowhere else quite like it – a unique store with a great shopping experience.

What was your last purchase?

An iPad 3.