Brian Cormick, store manager at the Glen Innes Woolworths is retiring after 42 years with the organisation.
He started his working career in 1982 as a trolley boy, aged 16, at a store in Maitland. Two years later, he was a grocery department manager. Since then, he’s worked at a number of stores throughout the state, with his natural ability being guided and mentored as he worked his way up the corporate ladder. He has spent the last ten years at the Glen Innes store.
Brian is recognised for his tireless work ethic, his ability to nurture emerging talents – just as he was nurtured – and for his ability to inspire staff. It was pointed out that he was never above re-stacking shelves, or any other work needed. Many customers have observed Brian working tirelessly alongside young ‘shelf stackers’.
He has also made store manager of the year for the zone which covers from Swansea to Grafton and out to Coonabarabran. Under Brian’s management the store has also won best in group and in zone – a significant achievement, when the size of the store and the size of Glen Innes are considered and compared to other centres in the zone.
The main changes Brian has noticed over this time are the impact technology has had on the operation of Woolworths stores and the resources available, the increase in merchandising and the increase of pressure on staff to satisfy customer demands. He feels this latter issue has been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Woolworths nationwide has responded to this with training staff in how to manage such issues. Several of the staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid to assist customers experiencing stress.
The things that haven’t changed over all the years are the need to listen to customers and for management to listen to the team, working towards continuous improvement. On that note, Brian advises customers to look out for the changes coming to the store in the new year. There has already been an upgrade in the car park, a change in the store layout, and improvements in the online service.
Brian has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Woolworths and is looking forward to the future. The Glen Innes community thanks him for his service.
His plans for retirement include travel and avoiding emails!
