This is the first time any store has ever scored a perfect 100% on The Grocer 33, beating your own previous record of 96%. What’s the secret to your success? I spend at least 90% of my time on the shop floor talking and listening to both my staff and my customers. The shop floor is where it all happens - not in the back office. But the real secret is my staff. They have been coached on the job and love to work here, which means that customers love to shop here.

You’re also our reigning Grocer 33 Store Manager of the Year. How has everything been since you picked up the award in June? Absolutely fantastic. I am really proud of everyone at the store and to deliver it all again - and with a 100% score - is unbelievable. It’s great to not only have improved on the last score but to have kept the high level of consistency going.

Did your customers find out about your win? There was some coverage in the local paper and a couple of customers did comment about it, including one man who came and shook my hand.

And what have you been up to since the win? We launched an online delivery service in store three weeks ago. It’s not only created new jobs for the local community, but it also means Sainsbury’s is delivering into previously unserviced areas. A number of existing staff also applied for some of the new roles, which in many cases has helped with their work/life balance.

And did you get involved with the Paralympics? Myself and four other colleagues went to Turn the Park Orange, but we also had a lot happening in store, including a visit from the Paralympic Torch Relay. So many people turned out to see it and have their picture taken with it.

Sainsbury’s is also storming ahead on The Grocer 33 with seven store of the week wins. Why do you think this is? The company strives for top service and standards in store. 

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