M&S stalwart celebrates 37 years with retailer ahead of new expanded Foodhall opening in Craigavon
As Marks & Spencer Craigavon prepares to unveil its exciting store renewal later this month, one of its most experienced colleagues is marking an incredible 37 years with the company.
Paula Barratt joined M&S in 1988 and her career has taken her from Leeds to Lisburn and now back closer to home in Craigavon.
Paula recalls that her connection with the retailer began long before she joined.
“I used to work across the road from the Belfast store and always looked over thinking, one day I’d love to work for M&S,” she said.
That dream took a happy twist when Paula met her now-husband, who was visiting from Leeds on a work project.
“After a few years of dating, I went to Leeds to see what life was like there – and would you believe it, the local M&S Foodhall was hiring! I finally got my M&S job, just not in the city I expected,” she said.
In Leeds, Paula found not only her dream job but also a lifelong friend, Carol.
“Carol and I met in the Leeds Foodhall – we’ve been best friends ever since. M&S journeys together and have been there for everything since, including raising our families – from kids to grandkids, we’ve shared it all.”
When her husband’s work brought them back to Northern Ireland, Paula seized the opportunity to continue her M&S journey closer to home. In 1989, she transferred from Leeds to the newly-opened store at Sprucefield, where she worked in Menswear.
"Since meeting Carol, the friends I’ve made through M&S have just kept growing,” Paula said. “When I moved to Sprucefield, I met Alison, Donna, Barbara, Julie, and Mary – they quickly became great friends of mine. They’re all long servers too, and we still keep in touch and often reminisce about those early days.”
Then, in 2020, an opening at Craigavon allowed her to return to the Foodhall – a perfect fit given she lives in nearby Portadown.
“When I look back, I feel so proud of the journey I’ve had with M&S – from Leeds to Lisburn and now Craigavon. I just can’t believe how quickly time goes by, and to now be 37 years with M&S is surreal.
"I’ve seen so much change over the years, but what’s never changed is the people – the amazing colleagues and loyal customers.”
Paula said being part of the renewal plans for the Craigavon store is really exciting.
"Customers ask why things look a bit different at the moment, and when we tell them what’s coming, they get just as excited as we are. We’re all counting down the days,” she added.
Ryan Lemon, regional manager for M&S Northern Ireland, said: “It’s brilliant to see Paula's passion and dedication for M&S no matter the city.
"Her 37-year journey shows how people grow and evolve with M&S, and it’s inspiring to see her still bringing the same warmth and energy to Craigavon today. With the transformation at Craigavon almost complete, it’s colleagues like Paula who help deliver great quality, trusted value, and set the standard for exceptional customer experience.”
The renewed Craigavon store will open on Friday, November 28 and will be the first store outside of England to feature in ITV’s ‘Inside M&S’, airing in December.