LEADERS IN RETAIL - DEBBIE KNIGHTS

We are excited to have recently connected with Debbie Knights
Acting Managing Director of Politix for our Leaders In Retail Series

Debbie tells us about her passion for retail and what makes working in the industry so great.

SOR: How and why did you start working in retail?

DK: “I started as a casual at Coles, as soon as I turned14 ¾ , the legal age! I very much wanted a job infashion retail,
having a “passion for fashion” and lovingshopping, and moved to a casual job at Susan shortlyafter, where
I remained until I started working full time,6 years later.”

SOR: Do you have any professionalqualifications?

DK: “Bachelor of Commerce, Melbourne University Chartered Accountant.”

SOR: What do you love about working in retail?

DK: “Seeing great customer experiences come to life.Knowing a customer is leaving our stores feeling that
they have a connection with the retailer, and the retailexperience has helped them feel happier, that bit more
confident – they leave with that “retail high”.”

SOR: What has challenged you most during the pandemic?

DK: “Knowing that our passionate store teamshave been stopped from doing the thing they love–
connecting with and styling customers everyday.”

SOR: What makes a memorable customer experience for you?

DK: “A connection with the sales assistant, where theyare a trusted advisor that recommended or curated
something especially for me.”

SOR: What do you do for your team to make their experience great at work?

DK: “First and foremost they need to feel trusted andvalued, and then we celebrate the wins, we give them
the tools they need to feel confident and wetake them on the journey.”

SOR: Outside of your own brand, what’s your favourite store and why?

DK: “Nordstrom, because after everything I had readabout their first class customer experience,
I wasnot let down when I visited.”

SOR: What advice would you give others thinking about a career in retail?

DK: “Always think customer first, every role in retail will impact the customer experience,always be
clear where your role impacts andhow you can make the experience better.”