STAFF CAN FIND themselves flavour of the month at fashion chain White Stuff. “I don't know any other retailer that has customers baking cakes for them,” says one employee. The business started in 1985, selling T-shirts and fleeces in French ski resorts, and opened its first store in London six years later. “What hasn't changed in 30 years is our sense of fun, creativity and that people are always at the heart of what we do,” it says. It has 1,669 employees, who work in more than 100 shops and concessions across the UK (plus an online operation) selling its “sociable fashion”. The company has a top-30 placing for its My Team factor, with a positive score of 82%. Last year it ran a “boot camp” for shop managers, who returned to their areas to train others. Ideas are shared on the Tea Room intranet. The London head office and Leicester base regularly have “huddles”, where teams review performance, plus a monthly meeting called the “family gathering”. Colleagues say they have plenty of fun (85%): a recent brand event was followed by in-store treasure hunts so employees could learn about the company's ethos of being creative, sociable, responsible and determined. Those who work for it say White Stuff gives plenty to local communities (65%) and encourages charitable activities (90%). The White Stuff Foundation works with more than 100 local charities, while the business decorates stores with “pre-loved furniture”. www.whitestuff.com
