A Day in the Life: From Retail Beginnings to Store Manager
Table of Contents
- 1. A Day in the Life: From Retail Beginnings to Store Manager
- 2. Early Influences shape a Career
- 3. A Career Milestone
- 4. Community Involvement
- 5. Unwinding After a Long Week
- 6. The Early Bird
- 7. The Retail Hustle
- 8. Dream Getaways and Local Retreats
- 9. Family and Friends
- 10. Hobbies and Pastimes
- 11. Entertaining at Home
- 12. Local Favorites
- 13. Sunday Night Routine
- 14. Monday Morning
- 15. A Balanced Life
- 16. How dose David Clifford balance his busy career as a Store Manager with his personal life?
- 17. Archyde Interview: David Clifford on Retail, Family, and Community
- 18. From Saturday mornings to Store Management: A Retail Journey
- 19. The M&S milestone: Career and Family Collide
- 20. Community Matters: Supporting Local Retail
- 21. Unwinding and Recharging: The Simple Pleasures
- 22. The Early Bird: Seizing the Day
- 23. Weekends in Retail & Dream Getaways
- 24. sunday Mornings with Friends
- 25. A Balanced life: Advice and inspiration
David, a dedicated father and husband, shares insights into his career journey and personal life.From his early days in a family business to his current role as a store manager, David emphasizes the importance of family, community, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Early Influences shape a Career
David’s “retail journey started at a very young age” in his family’s business, Longs shop. This experience “honed [his] skills” and ignited a “love of dealing with the public.” Working with his grandmother, Kitty Clifford, on Saturday mornings instilled valuable lessons.
A Career Milestone
starting as a temporary staff member in April 2002, David now proudly holds the position of store manager at M&S Patrick Street. His career at M&S has profoundly impacted his personal life, leading him to meet his wife and become a father to two children, Anna and Adam.
Community Involvement
Beyond his role at M&S, David is actively involved in the Cork Business Association, contributing to initiatives that “help promote and support local retail” within the city.
Unwinding After a Long Week
When asked about his ideal Friday night, David revealed he enjoys “binge-watching a good boxset with my wife while the kids are asleep,” preferring a cozy night in to a night out on the town.
The Early Bird
David describes himself as an “early riser,” ready to “seize the day (with coffee… obviously).” His mornings start early, allowing him to be productive and prepared for the day ahead.
The Retail Hustle
For David, weekends are a crucial part of his work week.As someone who works in retail David says “Weekends and key seasonal events are when the hustle and bustle kicks in. If you don’t enjoy this element of the job, then retail isn’t for you, but it is most definately for me!”
Dream Getaways and Local Retreats
If money were no object, David’s choice for a weekend city break would be New York City, a place where he and his wife “never fail to find something new and unique to do.” Closer to home, he finds peace at the top of Camden in Crosshaven, reminiscing about childhood memories.
Family and Friends
David values spending time with family, maintaining a tradition of catching up with his friend John over coffee every Sunday morning.
Hobbies and Pastimes
Although his football-playing days are over, David enjoys watching his daughter Anna play for Rockmount’s girls’ team and looks forward to supporting his son Adam in the future.
Entertaining at Home
Known for his culinary skills, David prefers to entertain and is renowned for making a “good Sunday roast.”
Local Favorites
When asked about his favorite spot for coffee, David humorously admits, “My favorite spot for a cup of coffee, is our M&S coffee shop of course!”
Sunday Night Routine
sunday nights are dedicated to family routines, preparing for the week ahead, and enjoying a relaxing movie night with popcorn.
Monday Morning
David’s alarm clock rings at 6:30 a.m. every Monday, signaling the start of a new week. “Up and at ’em at 6.30am every Monday, ready for a new week.”
A Balanced Life
David’s story is a testament to balancing a triumphant career with family and community involvement. From his early retail experiences to his current role as a store manager, he has remained grounded and appreciative of the simple joys in life. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet night in with his wife or supporting local retail initiatives, David’s dedication and positive attitude are truly inspiring. Now,consider how you can apply these principles to enrich your own life and career.
How dose David Clifford balance his busy career as a Store Manager with his personal life?
Archyde Interview: David Clifford on Retail, Family, and Community
Welcome to Archyde’s “A Day in the Life” series! Today, we’re speaking with David Clifford, a dedicated Store Manager at M&S Patrick Street in Cork, Ireland, about his career, passions, and the importance of community. Sarah Jenkins, our Lifestyle Correspondent, sat down with David to get the inside scoop.
From Saturday mornings to Store Management: A Retail Journey
sarah jenkins: David, thanks for joining us! Your story is interesting, starting in your family’s shop. how did those early experiences shape your career path in retail?
David Clifford: Thanks for having me, Sarah! Longs shop was everything. Working with my grandmother, Kitty, every Saturday morning instilled a love of dealing with the public and valuable lessons about customer service that I still use today. It definitely ignited my passion for retail.
The M&S milestone: Career and Family Collide
Sarah Jenkins: You’ve been with M&S since 2002, starting as a temporary staff member. What does your role as a Store Manager entail, and how has M&S influenced your life?
David Clifford: My role as Store Manager is about leading and motivating my team, ensuring excellent customer experiences, and contributing to the overall strategy of the store. More than work, joining M&S has deeply impacted my personal life, as I met my wife here. We now have two fantastic children, Anna and Adam.
Community Matters: Supporting Local Retail
Sarah Jenkins: You’re also involved with the Cork Business Association. Why is community involvement vital to you?
David Clifford: I believe a thriving community benefits everyone. The Cork Business Association does fantastic work to help promote and support local retail businesses within the city. It’s importent to contribute and give back.
Unwinding and Recharging: The Simple Pleasures
Sarah Jenkins: After a long week, how do you unwind? Any favorite friday night traditions?
David Clifford: (Laughs) Absolutely! My ideal Friday night involves binge-watching a good boxset with my wife while the kids are asleep. A cozy night in is my definitive indulgence.
The Early Bird: Seizing the Day
Sarah Jenkins: You described yourself as an “early riser”. How does that set the tone for your day?
David Clifford: Waking up early helps me seize the day ahead with a cup of coffee.This allows me to be more productive and fully prepared for the events of the day. The best part of this routine is simply seizing the moment and enjoying the day.
Weekends in Retail & Dream Getaways
Sarah Jenkins: Can you tell me more about the retail hustle you spoke about?
David Clifford: Weekends and key seasonal events are when the hustle and bustle kicks in. If you don’t enjoy this element of the job, then retail isn’t for you, but it is most definitely for me!”
sunday Mornings with Friends
Sarah Jenkins: You have a routine of meeting your friend John for Coffee.
David Clifford: Yes, I have been meeting with my friend John for many years and hope to continue this tradition. I enjoy reminiscing about days gone by and look forward to the future. We frequently enough talk about career matters and how his golfing game is coming along.
A Balanced life: Advice and inspiration
Sarah Jenkins: Your story is a testament to finding balance. What advice would you give to someone starting their retail journey?
David Clifford: remember that people are at the heart of retail; both customers and colleagues. Be passionate, embrace the hustle, and always treat people with respect. and don’t forget to find joy in the simple things, like family time and a good cup of coffee!
Sarah Jenkins: One last question. What is your favorite thing about your job and the Cork business community?
david clifford: My favorite thing about my job and the Cork Business community is the people, I love working with people for the benefit of others. I believe everybody is different and needs to be helped in different scenarios.
Sarah Jenkins: That’s fantastic, David. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us at Archyde. It was a pleasure speaking with you!
David Clifford: The pleasure was all mine, Sarah!
Sarah Jenkins: Thank you for a wonderful interview and insightful wisdom.
David Clifford: Thank you.
Sarah Jenkins: And for our readers,what aspects of David’s journey resonate with you? How do you balance your career with your personal life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
