When a customer walks into one of our stores, wherever that may be in the world, we want them to enjoy the store environment and have an excellent shopping experience. Step forward our Space & Format team. This department changes the layout of our stores two or three times a year; making way for exciting new products and creates seasonal plans; optimising the Buying team’s strategies for driving sales. It’s all about making the most of space, especially at peak times like Christmas.
Our professionals work with the Regional Business Managers to optimise the layout of each store. Then they translate our Commercial department’s proposals into clear plans for the store team. The goal is to ensure that each store is easy to navigate and has the right range for its size. That way, it can achieve the best possible commercial performance.
With over 600 High Street stores and over 750 Travel outlets globally – of all different shapes and sizes – we need over 1,300 bespoke plans! And with new formats launching all the time, such as our in-store Post Offices and in-store cafés, there’s no knowing what the next project will be.
The management of store space is an area where we excel. We think of space as a strategic asset – as do all our teams. To join Space & Format, you need to think like this too. It’s important that you’ve got good spatial awareness and an innate sense of what looks good. A head for numbers is also key but it must come with people skills. You’ve got to be adept at handling store plans, but also the teams who’ll make them work.
