Four Dublin Women Celebrate 25 Years at Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer recently paid tribute to four remarkable colleagues from Dublin who have each dedicated 25 years of their lives to the iconic Grafton Street store. Brenda Burke, Angela Bradley, Gillian Lockhart, and Vivian McSweeney have been recognized for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to the retailer.
Brenda Burke, a Senior Sales Advisor at M&S hailing from Finglas, proudly boasts a 28-year tenure with the company. Her retail journey began over 35 years ago at Mirror Mirror before she transitioned to M&S as a manager at the Grafton Street store. Brenda, who is known as a denim expert, efficiently manages stock levels and online orders. She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her colleagues and managers, with a special mention to floor manager Rebecca and store manager Steven. Despite the challenges she has faced, Brenda cherishes the camaraderie at M&S, particularly the festive Christmas parties and staff outings. She believes that her confidence has flourished through meaningful customer interactions and emphasizes the value of the friendships she has cultivated over the years.
Angela Bradley, a native of Coolock, Dublin, has been an integral part of the M&S team for over 25 years. Starting as a part-time sales advisor in the food department, she has witnessed the evolution of the store through various changes like new locations and technological advancements such as self-service checkouts and “scan and shop.” Angela finds solace in the supportive work environment and the strong relationships she has built with both colleagues and customers. Balancing her family commitments and her love for marathon running, Angela views her retail career as fulfilling due to the connections she has fostered within the M&S community.
Gillian Lockhart’s journey with M&S began as a part-time sales assistant, eventually propelling her to the role of deputy supervisor and now foods section manager at the Grafton Street store. Gillian’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in the company’s growth, even taking her across the seas to train new staff in Amsterdam for six months. She praises the digital advancements that have streamlined operations and attributes her long-standing career to the perks and supportive colleagues at M&S. Gillian fondly reminisces about her involvement in the St. Patrick’s Day parade for two years and encourages newcomers to approach each day with a positive attitude, believing that hard work and optimism are key to success in the retail industry.
Vivian McSweeney, another Dublin native, brought her expertise from convenience retail and a bakery and deli to M&S, starting as a Sales Advisor. Over the years, she has diversified her skills across various food sections and currently holds a Visual Merchandising role while managing her food responsibilities. Vivian appreciates the training opportunities provided by M&S, allowing her to expand her knowledge of the food hall. She values the benefits, flexible hours, and the friendships she has formed as the driving forces behind her 25-year journey with the company. Vivian finds excitement in the ever-changing nature of retail, believing that each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
In a world where loyalty and dedication are often overlooked, the stories of Brenda, Angela, Gillian, and Vivian serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, camaraderie, and passion in the workplace. Their collective experiences at Marks and Spencer not only highlight their individual achievements but also shed light on the vibrant community that has been cultivated within the Grafton Street store over the years. Cheers to these four remarkable women who have dedicated a quarter of a century to serving their customers and colleagues with unwavering commitment and unwavering dedication.
