Congratulations! Your store was in the news this week for employing 25% of staff over the age of 50. Yes, we employ about 70 or 80 colleagues over retirement age. They provide a lot of experience, are worldly and it gives us a good balance. Everyone works well together, our staff range from 17 to our 82-year-old, Len. He’s a local celebrity and is great with the customers. 

Last weekend was an early summer scorcher. How was business? Double-digit growth! We were ready for the sunny weather and held availability very well. It was also great timing. We launched our George holiday shop summer clothing range, which did brilliantly. We also sold about 60 trampolines and had just launched a new range of ice creams and ice lollies. And we moved about three pallets of BBQ briquettes – the same as we would have done at the height of summer. 

How has the ongoing price war between Tesco and Asda affected trade? We have a really keen price point this year and I think the business is well placed. EDLP has always been at the heart of our business and we have a real strength at low price. It has always been core for us. Tesco’s bid to compete is resulting in mistakes. It is getting its pricing strategy wrong. 

You have a Tesco, a Sainsbury’s, a Waitrose and a Morrisons all within a two-mile radius. How do you deal with that level of competition? It is tough trading but we’re up for it. We want to be the best in town. That’s our mindset. I try and visit all four weekly, to see how well-positioned we are. But we try and stick to what we do best and that is providing great service and standards, and being the best in town. 

How do you personally make a difference in store? It is about colleague engagement at all levels. You have to show that you care and that you listen and then do something about it. We see people as being at the heart of the business. 

What would you most like to change about the store? At the end of the summer, we are set to have a remodel and a general freshening up. If you look at the locality of the stores around us we are doing a good job and I am delighted that The G33 has recognised that. We do not accept poor retail standards and we are quick to embrace change to improve performance. The other thing we are doing well is our Community Colleague scheme – last year we raised over £26,000 for the community and that is supporting our place on the map in Broadstairs.  

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