Darryl is the MD of retailer WJ Aldiss, which operates two regional furniture and furnishing stores in Norfolk. He has been in and around the furniture business for 38 years, starting out aged 17 on the furniture floor at Oldrids of Boston, before progressing into merchandise management and store management, and being appointed to the board position of merchandise director at the age of 29. In 2013, Darryl was recruited to join WJ Aldiss as commercial director, and was appointed MD in 2016. Today, he is also the chairman of buying group Associated Independent Stores (AIS).
How might a child describe what you do?
My children know I’m a ‘shopkeeper’.
What’s the biggest long-term challenge you face?
Attracting and retaining talent.
If you had 10 x your working budget, what would you spend it on?
I’d start with a new warehouse – operating efficiencies are key to future profitability.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
‘The Secret of Planning Spontaneity’, or ‘I Haven’t Finished Yet!’
What does ‘work/life balance’ mean to you?
I feel retailing is like farming – it’s not a job, it’s a way of life, a vocation.
Who’s been your most influential professional mentor?
I have been fortunate to have worked with some very special people: My dad (not a retailer, but a trader); Adrian Isaac, from Oldrids (Downtown) who gave me my first job in store retail and was the most committed enthusiast you could ever meet; his cousin Garth, a true old-school merchant and my predecessor here at Aldiss; and Paul Clifford, who has a business intelligence I’m still trying to emulate.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Spend a month saying “yes” to everything.
What’s been your best day in business to date?
One of the best feelings was reopening the stores after lockdown.
What’s the biggest myth about our industry?
Sale ends Monday.
What should everyone in our industry either stop or start doing?
Stop asking “How’s trade?” as you will either get an untruthful answer, or one you won’t find useful.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?
Fewer stores, fewer suppliers, but stronger B2B relationships.
This interview was published in May's Furniture News.
