Sarah Short

Store Manager & Trainer

I've definitely come along way since my first job - a sales assistant at WH Smiths. This was when I caught the retail bug. I loved the interaction with customers and feeling part of a big, supportive team. Mind you, I really wanted to get into fashion retail. So, when I spotted a Claire's advert in the local paper, I applied immediately. While I already knew the retail basics - things like replenishment, customer service, working the till - my knowledge has really, really grown at Claire's. Praised for my adaptability and flexibility, I was promoted to key holder almost immediately. I wasn’t going to stop there though - I was determined to work my way up the career ladder.

I'm now a Store Manager, something I'd never have achieved without Claire's amazing support. In the ten years I've been here, I've completed lots of in-house training programmes and an NVQ in retail - ‘Access to Management'. I know Claire's inside out, and have built stronger customer service and merchandising skills. Also, I find I'm able to handle situations and people much more professionally. It is these skills that have enabled me to expand my role into a Store Manager Trainer. At Claire's this is a real honour.

What do I love most about my job? It has to be the variety of people I work with. No two days are the same, making it a challenging and exciting atmosphere to work in. Nothing beats working at Claire's, except maybe shopping and going on holiday! As the company continues to expand into Europe, I see myself as a District Sales Manager, or just bringing lots more business in over the summer.