If you didn’t catch the first episode of the latest fly on the wall C4 series based in one of the oldest stores in London – Liberty, you missed a real treat.
It is an incredible showcase for staff and customer passions; a bygone era of the traditional evolving to stay relevant and commercial and at the same time is a creative, and wonderful world of exquisite retailing.
I’m biased. I spent many hours there in my early retailing days comparing and contrasting ideas, merchandise, displays and service skills.
Opened 138 years ago by Arthur Liberty as an emporium for luxury goods from the East, Arthur pioneered cutting edge design and textiles. Today, Ed Burstell who joined Liberty from Bergdorf Goodman five years ago is tasked with keeping the store in profit whilst maximizing every inch of its 78,000 sq.ft. selling space, which was originally designed as a furniture store.
The gems – and there are many, are Liberty’s tirelessly loyal stalwart long service staff, new employees who are trained in grooming relationships with customers, and of course the store and culture it embodies and represents.
As the ever-present receptionist, Judy, puts it. Liberty has her own mind and if she is happy with decisions she lets it happen. Whilst the long serving Goods In Manager says he remains loyal to the original Liberty family despite them having sold the business to a private equity company some 13 years ago.
Liberty has a unique and embedded culture living in every part of its history and people.
I’m really looking forward to episode 2.
Inspired by the Liberty story and want to explore how to evolve and strengthen your company culture for the future? Get in touch