106.qxp_New Grid 28/06/2019 10:56 Page 2
BEHIND THE COUNTER
Beverley Yates Beverley Yates, shop manager at Maddison in Harborne, winner of The Greats’ Retail Employee of the Year 2019 award, looks back on 19 years with the store, and reveals where her love of gift retail comes from.
working for an independent store, you get to know people. I’m always happy to drop things off at people’s homes, or to track down items for them at one of our two Bentleys stores (in Birmingham or Stourport-on-Severn). It’s also a joy to work with Steve and Julie because they make me feel so much a part of the
Above: Greats’ winner Beverley Yates. Right: Maddison, Harborne.
Maddison has always had a special place in Beverley’s heart. As a customer, she travelled far and wide to buy her gifts and cards there, and then, as fate would have it, she was offered the opportunity to work there by the original owner. “I had been in my previous job for 32 years, which had evolved into a sales position in the company’s showroom, but sadly, I was made redundant,” Beverley explains. “I was out shopping in Harborne, when Maddison’s then owner, Hilary, asked if I would like to work there. Naturally I jumped at the chance as I had always regarded it as the best shop in the area. It was sold to Steve and Julie McHale five years ago, and I
have continued to enjoy every moment.” She continues: “Maddison is such a pretty shop. I love what we sell and also interacting with our customers. In fact, I enjoy the whole package, which includes helping with the displays, doing the paperwork, and booking in and seeing reps and agents. Unwrapping packages makes it feel like it’s Christmas every day. I’ve made so many friends over the years, and it’s lovely to see the children of our original customers coming in to shop with us too. It’s the best thing about
LAST WORD
Zandra Rhodes
Above: Zandra Rhodes. Right: At My Table by Nigella Lawson.
With a globetrotting work schedule that would leave most people half her age breathless, iconic fashion designer Zandra Rhodes made a personal appearance at last month’s PG Live to launch a range of gift stationery, cards and travel mugs for Museums & Galleries. PG&H caught up with her.
Three words that best describe you? “Colourful, exotic, pink.” Tell us a quirky fact we don’t know about you? “I love to cook. In fact, I’m on a forthcoming episode of Celebrity Bake Off that’s yet to be screened.” Can you tell us what you made? “Yes, it was my signature dish, a bread and butter pudding. I cut the bread into heart shapes and put lots of glitter on the top!” Over your long career, what was the best piece of advice you’ve received? “It came from the distinguished designer Eddie Pond who went on to work for 106
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
Paperchase. He told me, ‘your designs stand out like a sore thumb, so you’re either going to make it very big or fall flat on your face.’” What advice would you give to someone today? “Don’t give up. It doesn’t get any easier, even when you get to 78 like me.” What do you most enjoy reading? “Cookery books written by Nigella Lawson.” What’s your favourite film? “Casablanca.” What’s your favourite TV programme? “I don’t have time to watch TV!”
business. I think of Maddison as my shop. Everyone who works there is just as enthusiastic about the business and luckily, we all get on really well. I count myself very lucky to have had only two jobs in my life, both of which I’ve loved.” Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday? “India. It’s a wonderful, colourful country to visit.” What type of gifts do you like to receive? “Anything that’s has a purpose.” Can you tell us what your home is like? “I live in a Rainbow penthouse on top my museum which is painted bright orange and pink. I also have a home in San Diego.” Of all the famous people you’ve designed for, who is the most memorable? “The actress Lauren Bacall. I fitted her in my tiny studio and she stepped on a pin!” What’s in the pipeline for the rest of the year? “There are so many projects! Among them is a collaboration with Ikea in in Sweden where I will be launching a range of textiles and objects in colourful patterns.” Which one possession would you take to a desert island? “My sketch book. I’d leave my make-up behind as there would be no-one to see me!”