M&S in Guildford celebrates first anniversary and 20-year milestones for store manager

M&S unveiled its brand new 15,000 sq ft fresh market-style foodhall on June 12 last year with an inflatable giant Percy Pig and ribbon cutting, with long-serving colleague Lesley Bradshaw doing the honours.

The store team set up a spread of M&S treats backstage to mark the occasion.

There’s was also another cause for celebration as store manager Amelia Holwill marked 20 years at M&S, having first joined as a weekend customer assistant in clothing at M&S’ High Street store in Guildford.

Amelia said: “I can’t believe it has already been a year since we opened!

“It’s been lovely to meet all our new customers and to be on first name terms with our regular shoppers!

“A personal highlight for me was delivering a really strong Christmas, it’s always such a special time to work in retail and you could feel the excitement among colleagues and customers which was fantastic.

“Customers have been loving our in-store bakery, especially our popular Collection Sourdough!

“It really does make the whole store smell amazing and we always go to our bakers for the best product recommendations.

“Also a big customer favourite is our small sized trolleys as children just absolutely love getting involved with the shopping list – and playing with the interactive Percy Pig button of course!

“At the moment, the buzz is all about the new products we’ve just launched, especially our tiramisu desserts and cookie cups, we have so many people coming into store asking about them!

“And my personal favourite, our beautiful British peonies which are bringing the summer energy.

“A massive thanks to all our customers for supporting us in our first year, my team for their hard work and the community for welcoming us!”

Of her own 20 years with M&S milestone, she added: “I absolutely love working in retail and running a shop like Guildford Ladymead is really a career dream come true for me.

“When I started at M&S 20 years ago, I probably didn’t realise the career path I could have but you learn so much as you work your way up.

“I’ve been so lucky to have so many opportunities and to have colleagues that have turned into friends.

“Luckily, I also like being busy and always on the go, which is an absolute essential when you are a Store Manager as you definitely get the steps in!”