Waitrose & Partners employees, Denise White and Julie Bourgaize, have been recognised this week for 25 years of service in retail. The pair were presented with a special award and gifts by colleagues to mark their achievement.
Denise, a supermarket assistant at the retailer’s Rohais store, began her retail career at the age of 17 stocking fresh foods on a part-time basis and now spends much of her day serving customers and working on the checkouts.
“I have always felt part of the family and that I belong here. I love meeting people and seeing families grow over the years. I have served mothers and now I’m serving their children and grandchildren,” said Denise.
“You have to be prepared to embrace change in that time. The biggest change I have witnessed over the years is the technology in the store. 25 years ago customers would tend to pay by cash or by card, but now they are using their mobiles and watches. Now I like to show customers the new ways they can shop such as using our Quick Check service,” she said.
Julie, a team leader at Waitrose & Partners Admiral Park, manages the shop floor, helps customers and answers any queries they may have. She has worked on four big refits including the home department, fresh foods section and alterations to the checkouts.
“I like working with our customers and love getting involved in the community aspect of our work through our Partner Volunteering scheme. One of the things I’ve been involved in was the La Vallette Community Project. It was hard work pulling brambles and even old bikes out of the hedges but it was a lot of fun. I work with a great team and feel part of one big family,” said Julie.
Paula Protheroe, Admiral Park Branch Manager, said: “I would like to congratulate Denise and Julie for achieving their award. They’re invaluable members of our team and we thank them for their continued hard work and dedication.
“All our Partners are co-owners in our business and have a unique opportunity to grow and develop – whether that’s professionally through training or personally through our Partner volunteering opportunities.”
