Personal photographic portfolio of planning, opening and developing the new Debenhams store in Bath - 2010 -

by Robert Gough

Foreword:

I was the Senior Store Manager, responsible for planning, opening and developing this prestigious Debenhams store in the World Heritage City of Bath. During my time at Debenhams I was able to capture pictures, press articles and memories that allow me to truly look back on this experience with pride.

By far the biggest challenge was recruiting over 230 new employees to become new team members. This task was made harder by the fact that Bath has such low unemployment levels.

My Management Team and I spent most of June/July of 2010 screening and finding the right team members to ensure that we could open the store and be credible from the outset.

In August we given retail handover - This was a mad 14 day dash to familiarise all of the new employees with all aspects of our new building. The next priority was to physically place every fixture and to style and dress over 1000 mannequins to achieve the optimum “customer journey”.

Our VIP pre-opening took place on 01 September and was a lively and fantastic affair. Canopies, bubbly and goodie bags galore were dished out to the VIPs (this became a great dummy run for the team and for me I got my first customer feedback on the store).

The Grand Opening took place at 10am on 02 September. The queue to get into the store stretched so far I couldn't see the end. Both Jeff Banks and I, along with the Mayor said our speeches and before you knew it - the ribbon was cut and the store was open!

I have to say the proudest moment for me was seeing my Mum, Dad, Niece and Nephew waiting at the front of the queue to get in. They gave me waves and smiles that melted my heart and that is a moment I will cherish for a long time to come.

Bath Management Team

I was lucky enough to handpick and select each one of my Sales Managers to ensure I had the calibre needed to deliver excellence from the outset.

This picture was taken on our first day together as we completed our team building exercises.

This picture depicts the placing of the fixtures in the store ready to receive merchandise

We took in 38 x 40ft Debenhams lorries to get the right amount of stock to get the store full for our customers.

Arrival of the mannequin army!

Over 1000 mannequins were delivered and assembled across the store.

The idea is that we could inspire our customers at every opportunity. Mannequins offer the best “see it, buy it” opportunity in large stores.

More internal builds and departments slowly coming to life.

200 jobs available at new DebenhamsBy This is Somerset  |  Posted: April 22, 2010

A former Frome man has come back to the area to run the new Debenhams store at Bath's Southgate shopping centre.Robert Gough, who grew up in Frome and lived in the area until he was 18, begins his position on June 1, coming from Debenhams in Plymouth where he was senior store manager.Over the past 10 years, he has worked at a number of Debenhams' South West stores, including managing the Stratford-upon-Avon and Exeter stores.

His first role as the new store manager will include overseeing the intensive interview and selection process, to fill the 200 roles at the new store.Recruitment is under way and applications can be made by visiting www.debenhams- jobs.com for details.Mr Gough said: "Southgate is a stunning development and it is already proving an attractive addition to Bath's shopping options."I believe it is the perfect location to open our very first Debenhams store in Bath."

Debenhams set to open on time as 900 people battle for 200 jobsBy This is Bath  |  Posted: June 10, 2010

The flagship store at Bath's £360 million SouthGate development is on track to open in the first week of September, with 900 people vying for 200 jobs.And senior store manager Robert Gough is confident the Debenhams outlet will be beautiful as well as big."I've been in there and I'm confident that the people of Bath are going to love what they'll find," said Mr Gough, who was born in the city."There will be a wide host of items and we're hoping to bring to the people of the city that much-needed offering that they have been looking for, for so many years."Staff will then be working to ensure the store is stocked in time for the unveiling on September 2.Applicants for the jobs are being put through their paces at an assessment centre in Bristol under Mr Gough's supervision."I was delighted with the level of response we received for our vacancies," said the manager, who helped run the firm's Plymouth, Exeter and Stratford-on-Avon stores before returning to the city of his birth.

"Because we're a department store it gives lots of people the chance to apply for many different positions in Bath."We're delighted to be opening in such a prestigious development. The store's going to be beautiful."Bath is my home city. It was my shopping destination as I grew up and to be coming back home is fantastic. I feel all my Christmases have come at once."Mr Gough, who is 33 and has worked in retail since he was 16, added: "I just love the city and nothing will please me more than seeing the ribbon cut on opening day."The confirmed fashion departments at Debenhams are J by Jasper Conran, H by Henry Holland, Star by Julien MacDonald, Stvdio Jeff Banks, Principles by Ben de Lisi and Rocha.John Rocha.Additional concessions available in store will include Jacques Vert, Tripp luggage and Jon Richards Jewellery.Debenhams will also have two personal shoppers on hand in what will be a free service.There will be a top-floor 95-seat restaurant, a home department stocking everything from Dyson to Denby china, as well as a children's wear and lingerie department.In addition, the store will have a 2,000 sq ft fine fragrance department.

Press Articles that were released and published.

Grand Opening Day!!

The queue of customers and browsers was never ending!

From here onwards …..

Some examples of the visual merchandising and retail standards that my team delivered under my direction as Senior Store Manager in Bath from 2010-2013.

I hope you like them!

Robert Gough

Windows made fabulous

Women's AccessoriesLet your wild side out!

Show your Punk Spirit

Menswear

Rocha John Rocha Men’s Accessories

Must Have Checks

Womenswear

Checks by Ben de Lisi

Young Fashion Punk Spirit

Childrenswear

Huntsmen in the window….

Through to Huntsmen in store

Home and Lingerie

Showcasing our new designer Abigail Ahern

Shapewear made sexy!