David Tarbuck, general merchandise programme lead at Kiddicare and Morrisons.com, tells Retail Week about his life working in retail.

David Tarbuck

What was your first job in retailing?

I worked at McDonald’s while at school and university. It was a good grounding, team work and coordination was key.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Apple, but I see it as more of a technology company. Marks & Spencer is a traditional retailer making great steps into multichannel while remaining focused on the customer.

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

I can pay too much attention to detail – unfortunately, when things are done well I can still find fault.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Terry Duddy at Home Retail Group – an inspirational, hands-on retailer who drove Argos to invent multichannel.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

You must understand who your customers are and put yourself in their shoes. They should be front of mind in every decision you make.

What keeps you awake at night?

Other than my neighbour’s wind chimes? I worry about missing something important, moving at the pace we are.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Watching customers naturally engage with the technology we’ve introduced to the Kiddicare superstores.

What’s your proudest achievement?

My children. But being recognised while at Argos as Retail Week Multichannel Retailer of the Year, more than once, was pretty special too.

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

I’d have been a geography teacher. I studied geography at university and am a river and rock geek.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

I like tech shops – from Bang & Olufsen to Maplin.

What was your last purchase?

Before diesel and coffee to get me to work, I bought tickets online to see The Script.