Perenially optimistic, Justin King might once have gloated after Sainsbury’s 1.9% sales growth bested Tesco’s static first-quarter results this week.
But he was once again in an uncharacteristic slough of despond as he noted “the worst conditions in his 28 years in the grocery trade”. Even an unexpected boost to trade from the Royal Wedding (after he told The Grocer it would have zero impact) couldn’t brighten his mood.
With a disappointing start to June, weather-wise, and the absence of a World Cup, there appear to be few glimmers of hope. But I’d like to offer one. The Store Manager of the Year award.
In these tough times, it is vital that we celebrate success. And with a record number of entries at The Grocer Gold Awards, our sellout event on Wednesday proved this is an attitude many are taking. But there is so much to celebrate in success. There are the lessons we can learn from the superb performances of retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers; and from individual teams within them, and their agencies and consultants, in creating or improving or turning round brands, divisions, stores, sections.
But as one of the judges for the Store Manager of the Year competition, I was inspired by the humbling humanity of individual endeavour as represented by the five outstanding store managers. In their performances I see hope. If Justin King could bottle the brilliance of Craig Brown, who, representing Sainsbury’s as manager of its Edinburgh store, was highly commended, he could do much. He may not be a member of the board, but Brown and the other store managers not only have humility. They, like other individuals lower down the chain of command, have much to teach.
That’s the challenge for Sainsbury’s and others. Not to roll out formats; but to roll out inspiration, endeavour and the great ideas disseminated by ordinary people.
