Fortnum & Mason’s Post

People often ask me if we're busy. By busy I'm assuming they mean in terms of the number of orders were are shipping out each day. The Summer time is obviously not as busy as Christmas time, but we are busy with Congratulations Gifts for Weddings, Anniversaries and New Babies. As well as Thank You & Birthday Gifts, Sympathy and Get Well Gifts. ✨ However, despite being a small business, there is a lot more to be done than the physical making and dispatching of the gift baskets and hampers themselves. 🎁 I am the first to admit that my gift basket assembly skills are not really up there with the best. Instead we have a professional assembly team here to make them the most beautiful they can be. 😍 I started off in the Company in a Customer Services role, taking orders and producing the couriers labels for shipments. I actually enjoyed a wee stint back in the role yesterday, to cover for my colleagues. 💻 I found it really beneficial taking on the role again as I was able to see were any problems lay and fix them, as well as seeing areas for improvement to help our Team. ✔ I also enjoyed having one main role to do to the best of my ability, rather than juggling the multiple hats I usually wear of Marketing, Accounts, Sales, HR & IT Support. There was a finite finish line/time in sight, so although you are working to a deadline, it felt good to reach it instead of constantly balancing or chasing the end point. 👒 I might suggest we all job swap more often, to appreciate each others roles and the roles we perform ourselves! #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #familybusiness #jugglingroles #jobswap #ecommerce #jobroles #sme #team #ourteam #multitasking #giftbaskets #giftdelivery #gifthampers #corporategifts Some of our fab team below 😀

Today marks my 10 year anniversary with Valet Living. I remember my interview and two of the questions asked were "where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years from now". I am happy to say I achieved my 5 year goals when I hit 5, and also just as thrilled to say I've hit my 10 year. In the interview I said I was looking for a company that will value my strengths and help me grow into a leader and decision maker of the company, a company that values ideas from all levels and treats their highest and lowest levels equally, a company that is committed to keeping the right leadership in place to succeed and grow. At the time I was introduced to a goal "Drive to 85" which was trying to hit 85k homes...today we are at 2 million and I truly am proud to say I had a part in that. 10 years ago I applied for a District Manager position and today I sit as the Senior IT Manager of Business Solutions. I started this career supporting a 4 month old and 2 year old daughters and now I have 12, 10, & 6 year old children. My 1st 10 years were spent raising my children and supporting their needs, my next 10 will be teaching them to grow up and become adults themselves & helping them prepare for their future careers and families. As I look back there were key decisions and moments that put me on today's path, a single decision will truly change your trajectory and I owe many thanks to those along the way that were part of those decisions. Thanks to the ones who said you should check out this company called Valet Waste, The ones who said you're hired, the ones who said he has potential and fought for me, the ones who said let's give him a special project, the ones who said would you be interested in joining IT, voted me in for President's club, helped me grow and learn to be an IT Leader, those that just chat with me for 30 min to an hour to talk whether it's business or not. Whether you're still at VL or not, thanks for helping me achieve this goal. The next 10 should be fun! Little Fact My boss mentioned earlier this week, with close to 10k associates I am in the top 40 for tenure so there's only 39 associates who have been around longer and many of those are top leaders. Here's to 10 more!. Let's go!

It's my 1st work anniversary at Cost Cutters UK 🎈 Reflecting on the past 12 months, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Transitioning from the automotive industry, where I'd spent 9 years, to the world of furniture was a leap of faith. Initially, I was stepping into unfamiliar territory, unsure of what to expect. But from my very first conversations with Dawn Wills & Spencer Courage, I sensed something special about this opportunity. Their vision, passion, and commitment to growth resonated deeply with me, and I knew I was in the right place to elevate my career. Every single day (and I mean EVERY single day) since then has been a journey of discovery. I've embraced the challenges, pushed my boundaries, and expanded my skill set beyond what I thought was possible. Thanks to the support and investment from the company, I've experienced exponential growth, both personally and professionally. In just 12 months, I've learned more than I ever imagined, and I'm hungry for more! Here's to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. #WorkAnniversary #CareerGrowth #CostCuttersUK #LearningAndDevelopment

Did you know that the average employee tenure is just 4.1 years? That's why when someone like Jerry Ullman celebrates 7 years with a company, it's not just a milestone—it's a testament to loyalty and dedication. Jerry has been a significant part of Daniel's Moving and Storage's backbone for the better part of a decade. His commitment has propelled the company forward and set a benchmark for excellence. Jerry isn't just an employee; he's an asset that appreciates with time, contributing to the company's success with his unwavering work ethic. In an industry where every detail matters, Jerry has shown that consistency and passion are the cornerstones of success. His ability to navigate the complexities of logistics and his hands-on approach with clients have earned him respect and admiration from both colleagues and customers. Celebrating Jerry isn't just about acknowledging his past contributions. It's about recognizing the role he will continue to play in shaping the future of Daniel's Moving and Storage. It's about the relationships he's built, the challenges he's overcome, and the growth he's fostered. Now, let's take a moment to give credit where it's due. If you know someone like Jerry, someone who's been a pillar of strength for your team, why not give them a shoutout? Let's fill our feeds with positivity and appreciation for the hardworking individuals who keep our businesses moving. Have you worked with someone whose dedication deserves recognition? Drop a comment below and let's celebrate their achievements together. If Jerry's story inspired you, feel free to repost this message. #EmployeeAppreciation #WorkAnniversary #DedicationAndDrive - powered by #evyAI

The crew at the store surprised me this week with a cake and a plaque for my 25th anniversary with Tom Thumb Pharmacy. I knew this milestone was coming but I hadn't put much thought toward it. However, this small celebration made me think a little deeper. To work this long at one company is kind of rare these days. It made me think: How did I do this? Why have I stayed this long? The how is easy. Just put your head down and go. Whether you like where you are or not the time passes so quickly. The why is a different story. It starts with loving what you do. To be on the front lines of healthcare is both important and rewarding. I can directly affect patients' lives every day in a way most providers can not. It doesn't escape me how important and special this role is for a lot of people. To do it well isn't easy. There are many, many distractions and demands that get in the way and make this job undesirable to a lot of people. Many of these people, sadly, just have their heads down and are doing it anyway. Those of us who work with our heads up will gain the rewards that this job has offered me for so long. The next part has to do with who you work for. Do they respect and value you? Do they support you? Do they give you opportunities to be successful and grow? For me, this is huge. I have felt supported, respected and heard throughout my time here. Do I always agree with everything the company wants or asks? Definitely not, but I know that I can give my input at any time. The people I work with in the store are some of the best people I know and are reason #1 why I stay here. It's no accident that we got together. Like-minded people tend to find each other. I never underestimate how important it is to enjoy the people you work with. This culture is cultivated and nurtured by all of us. Disruptors do not last long. The final question is whether or not I will have another picture like this at year 40 when I am ready to retire? That is a question I do not know the answer to. This job is hard. It is physically demanding and my back and my knees would probably say please do something else! The winds of change are blowing in community pharmacy to make this job less hustle and more clinical, but will those changes happen soon enought to benefit me? I don't think anyone knows. My mind is open to these changes and it is also open to other ways to use my talents and leadership. I don't know where or how this journey will end, but I can say for sure that my head will be up and I will be fully present for all of it.

"Treat People Like Family." ⭐️ As part of our 40th anniversary celebration, we're highlighting one of our company values each month. And in July, we're asking clients and members of the Direct Development team to share moments where DD has lived this value. 👉 Up next, here's a memory from DD's Marcus Hanscom, Director of Enrollment Marketing: "While I'm officially wearing the DD uniform now, I've felt like part of the family since about 2009. I remember meeting Tony and his father (and DD founder), Charlie Fraga, at NAGAP. I'd see them each year, and the DD team always knew me by name and asked how things were going. I looked forward to connecting with the DD team because they genuinely cared about sharing information and helping me grow, and I never felt like I was being pressured for a sale. Truth be told, I never had the opportunity to hire DD for any work, but that didn't change the warm welcome I received every year. Fast forward to recent years, when I was considering a shift away from my work at Roger Williams University. Tony helped me reflect on what I'd accomplished over my years in higher education — and where I could take that experience. He was always a cheerleader from afar, regardless of where I chose to hang my hat. And when I decided to join the DD team, he welcomed me with open arms. If that doesn't demonstrate 'Treat People Like Family,' I don't know what does. This is the kind of company I want to work for." #marketing #digitalmarketing #hubspot #inboundmarketing

LinkedIn reminded me that I joined Krogerus exactly 10 years ago, which means that I have spent almost one quarter of my life at this firm. (And no, this is not one of those posts, I am not leaving anywhere 😅.) A colleague recently asked what has kept me here for a decade, as long careers in one place are hardly the trend anymore. Two things spring to mind: 1) The work itself (this is after all, first and foremost a workplace). The work as an attorney and especially as a partner is as versatile as it gets when it comes to lawyering, no two days are the same. As opposed to in-house roles (great too, tried that), you have the opportunity to learn about various industries and need to change perspective and adapt to different client demands and working cultures even during the same day. It is not always great, though - you have great weeks/months/years, and the really 💩 ones. The winds change quickly and it is typically either famine or feast, but that’s a part and parcel of this job. A curious mind, sense of humour and reasonably healthy self-esteem help a long way. 2) People and culture of the firm. Law firms are not the same, and even among ”big” firms, the cultures differ. I like ours: Sure, at times it is a demanding work place as every good law firm should be, but it is also humane and permissive. You do not need to fit a specific mould in order to fit in. I guess it was one of the key reasons for choosing this particular firm back in ’14. Even though the firm is now double the size, this side is still there. Looking forward to the next decade. Especially as we soon have one of my favourite lawyers, Pessi Honkasalo joining the team. It’ll be great.

How time flies! ⏳️ This week marks my 5 year anniversary at Vedder Price. Reflecting on the journey so far, I am beyond proud of the employment practice we have built in London over these years. Looking ahead, I am excited about what the future has in store and will work to repay the trust our incredible clients and contacts place in us 🤓💪 Onwards! 🚀 #workanniversary #employmentlaw #employmentlawyer

PSA: there IS life after retail! In November 2018, I decided that my 14th holiday season in retail would be my last. When I first started working in retail, this time of year was exciting! The days went by fast despite the extended mall hours, there was snacks in the breakroom and I got to hang out with my friends all day. After a decade or so, I noticed that each year I felt less appreciated, more exhausted and further away from myself. Maybe it was because I was 10 years older and didn’t have the same energy I had before, maybe retail was changing, maybe people were collectively getting crankier… Whatever it was, I was SO over it. But, I was also scared sh*tless to leave. I had a business on the side that I had been running for a few years that was bringing in some money but not enough to replace a corporate salary and generous benefit package. (Hello golden handcuffs!) I started to daydream about what being my own boss would be like. What kind of business I wanted. What it would feel like to wake up without an alarm. To design my days the way I wanted to. I started to get curious about who I was and who I could be if I didn’t have a schedule or a commute, had unlimited income potential and the freedom to work when and how I wanted to. As I sank into this new vision, all of the thought gremlins showed up. The limiting beliefs, the stories our brains tell us to keep us small. “Don’t do it, you’ll regret it” “You’re gonna fail” “You can’t do that” “What are people going to think?” Maybe you can relate. I wish I could say that I knew exactly what to do with these, but back then I had no idea. So, I did what I could to not pay them any mind. I often think about how things would’ve turned out if I knew then what I know now. I appreciate that it’s all part of my journey though and I believe that my desire to transform my entire life is what invited all of the tools, resources and people I needed to make it possible. And, I did. I left my 14-year retail career in June 2019 and haven’t looked back. The only thing that would’ve been different if I knew what I know now, is that it wouldn’t have taken me so damn long. It took years for me to even admit that I wanted more let alone take any action. But! I did it and I talk to people all the time who want to do it, too - but they don’t. They are bound by their fear, they are stuck in the employee mindset and/or they don’t believe in themselves. Sound familiar? The good news is: ALL of those things can be remedied. If you are in retail or the service industry and you are daydreaming of this holiday season being your last, it is possible! Click the 🔗 in the comments to watch a free webclass about the very best way to unlock the golden handcuffs and maybe this holiday season can be your last!

New Post: With Layoffs, Retailers Aim to Be Safe Rather Than Sorry (Again) - https://lnkd.in/gE4WbqmP - The retail industry is trying to figure out its correct size. Retailers, faced with sky-high demand from shoppers during the pandemic, spent the past three years ramping up their operations in areas like human resources, finance and technology. Now, times have changed. A public that rushed to buy all sorts of goods in the earlier parts of the pandemic is now spending less on merchandise like furniture and clothing. E-commerce, which boomed during lockdowns, has fallen from those heights. And with consumers worried about inflation in the prices of day-to-day necessities like food, companies are playing defense. Saks Off 5th, the off-price retailer owned by Hudson Bay, laid off an unspecified number of workers on Tuesday. Saks.com is laying off about 100 employees, or 3.5 percent of its workers. Stitch Fix laid off 20 percent of its salaried workers this month and closed a distribution center in Salt Lake City. Last week, Wayfair said it would lay off 1,750 people, or 10 percent of its work force, and Amazon started laying off 18,000 workers, many of them in its retail division. Bed Bath & Beyond cut its work force this month as it tries to shore up its finances and prepares for a possible bankruptcy filing. While it’s not unusual for major retailers to announce store closings and some job cuts after the blitz of the holiday season, the recent spate of layoffs is more about structural changes as the industry recalibrates itself after the rapid growth from pandemic-fueled shopping. And it accompanies broader worries about the state of the U.S. economy and layoffs by prominent tech companies. “Retailers are really being cognizant of capital preservation,” said Catherine Lepard, who leads the global retail market for the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. “They don’t know how long this cooler economy is going to last, and they want to make sure they have the right cash to get through that. For retailers that are struggling, it really means tightening the belt with some cost cutting.” Sales during the all-important holiday shopping season were weaker than in years past, when growth hit record levels. December retail sales increased 6 percent from the same period last year, but that number was not adjusted for inflation, which was at 6.5 percent. Department stores posted sizable sales declines. At Nordstrom, sales in the last nine weeks of 2022 decreased 3.5 percent from a year earlier, with the company noting that they “were softer than prepandemic levels.” Macy’s said its holiday sales had been on the lower end of its expectations. The layoffs at certain retail companies are a sign that the industry is bracing for a slowdown and another change in how people shop. “To mitigate macroeconomic headwinds and best position our business for success, we have made changes to streamline