Busting myths: How retail can offer long and rewarding careers
Some might argue that retail store positions are better suited to those seeking short-term jobs or a stepping stone towards their ‘forever career.’
However, in retailers that prioritise colleague experience and retention just as much as sales success, in-store retail roles can be an excellent choice for individuals seeking a long and rewarding career.
A career in retail provides a solid foundation to develop transferable and interpersonal skills, setting colleagues up for long-term employment. This can lead to significant opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
This is particularly true for employers like Aldi, the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, which offers a wide range of avenues for career growth, development, and personal benefits.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Andy Thomson is a prime example of how to seize opportunities at Aldi to build a long and fulfilling career. A former pub landlord, Andy began his journey with Aldi in 1994 as a Trainee Store Manager. After discovering his niche in the Transport Department in 2000, Andy’s career has flourished over the last 30 years, and he is now a dedicated Transport Manager.
Working at Aldi has brought him lifelong friendships, career progression, and personal achievements. In 2022, Andy participated in a bike ride from London to Amsterdam to raise funds for Aldi’s charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, raising over £10,000. This highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community. Andy believes that working for a company that aligns with your values, whether through charity work or other initiatives, can enhance job satisfaction and make employees proud to bring their authentic selves to work.
Reflecting on his time at Aldi, Andy shared:
“It’s the people that make Aldi such a great place to work. Over the years, I have worked with amazing colleagues and made many friends along the way, and that’s what makes you want to stay and build a long career.”
Marie Frost has also demonstrated the potential for career progression during her 25 years at Aldi, starting as a Store Assistant in 1999. Through her dedication to customers and her team, she progressed to Deputy Store Manager, then Assistant Store Manager, and for the last 11 years, has been a Store Manager responsible for her own store.
Marie finds great joy in connecting with customers, considering it the most rewarding part of her role. Working for Aldi has also allowed her to grow as an individual and a professional. Marie said:
“Having worked in Aldi stores for 25 years, I can honestly say the opportunities to build a long and fulfilling career in retail are fantastic for people like me, who love connecting with others. The fantastic colleagues I work with make every day enjoyable, and even the busiest days are made fun by my team.”
For those not seeking rapid career advancement but rather a stable, long-term role, retail offers the chance to learn and excel at a job. This is invaluable for career satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging.
Stephanie Burrows, who joined Aldi 20 years ago, exemplifies this. Starting as a Store Assistant, Stephanie worked her way up to Deputy Store Manager. Speaking about her time at Aldi, Stephanie commented:
“I love the people I work with, both colleagues and customers. It has been fascinating to see how Aldi has changed and adapted over the last 20 years.
“It’s really rewarding to know my job like the back of my hand and to teach others on the job. Being a Deputy Manager really suits me and my lifestyle, and I’m grateful to Aldi for helping me balance my responsibilities.”
Kelly Stokes, HR Director at Aldi UK, said:
“With around 45,000 colleagues in the UK, it is our people who make Aldi what it is. We strive to provide our colleagues with the job satisfaction they deserve and invest in a variety of outstanding training courses year after year, ensuring that everyone enjoys being a part of Team Aldi.
“Aldi aims to assist all its colleagues in reaching their full potential by helping them achieve their goals and take advantage of every opportunity. With outstanding benefits and competitive pay rates, Aldi shows why working in retail is a fulfilling and lifelong career choice.”
For more information about careers at Aldi, visit: https://www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/
