What's happening?

Pair reunited at Shropshire furniture store
05 Sep 2016
by Simon Alton

Two Shropshire women have found themselves working together again, several years after being colleagues at another firm.

The pair, who are now working together at Alan Ward in Shrewsbury, have vast experience in the retail trade and lost touch when they finished working for fashion giant Monsoon.

But they have been reunited after both successfully applied for separate job vacancies at Alan Ward on Ennerdale Road.

Both were taken on by the company, Shropshire’s largest independent furniture store, and were amazed to discover that they would be working together again.

Andrea Cutler is Alan Ward’s new store manager in Shrewsbury, while Suzanne Bennett is the company’s new business development manager for online sales.

Andrea, who lives in Shrewsbury, said: “I have enjoyed an extensive career in the retail industry including 17 years at Monsoon. It was a pleasant surprise when we both turned up for work and came face-to-face again.

“My job at Alan Ward will be leading the continuation of the redesign project within the store while embracing our customer service priority.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me and a real thrill to be managing Alan Ward’s flagship store in my own town.

“The company has developed a tremendous reputation with the retail furniture trade generally, especially here in Shrewsbury.

“The company is growing and developing and it is great to be part of it with the team here in Shrewsbury.

“Our aim is to maintain a winning formula at Alan Ward and offer the best possible shopping experience for our customers.”

As well as Monsoon, Suzanne has worked for New Look and ran her own online clothing business.

Suzanne, from Bridgnorth, will be the manager of the ‘fifth’ Alan Ward store – its online business.

“It’s a great opportunity to be involved in this ever-growing part of the company,” she said.

“The Alan Ward online store will continue to evolve and will be at the forefront of the online buying market for furniture and homewares.

“I am looking forward to working with the marketing team and the web developers to increase the digital presence and the online sales at Alan Ward.”

The staff changes mean former store manager Adrian Novick will now be representing all four stores and promoting Alan Ward to the wider community.

He will be getting out and about in the business community and will be a regular face at networking events.

Suzanne Bennett (left) and Andrea Cutler (right).

Suzanne Bennett (left) and Andrea Cutler (right).