Wendy Ray reaches 40 year milestone at Boots

Wendy Ray has worked at Boots for 40 years

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From selling perfume to Lenny Henry to wrestling with big till batteries - there’s not much Wendy Ray hasn’t done during her 40 years with Boots.

The 57-year-old has spent more than two thirds of her life with the retailer, most of which has been at the store in Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, and has experienced technology evolve over the decades. But her unchanged commitment to customer care is what leaves her held in high regard.

Based at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre since 1976, the outlet was previously sited in Yorkshire Street.

Wendy worked in both locations, having joined Boots as a teenager straight from school in 1974.

Her good friend, Sue Webster started a year later.

Admitting she never had any thought of managing the store or moving elsewhere, the mum-of-one says the satisfaction in helping customers is all the reward she has ever needed.

That said, things have changed over the years, and Wendy does not miss having to replace the battery on her till because ‘it was always running out’. Modern technology has made elements of the job a whole lot easier.

“So much has changed over the years, but good customer service will never go out of fashion,” said Wendy, who lives with husband Ian in Whitworth.

“When I started it was a general store and a lot smaller than it is now. When we moved to the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre in 1976 we had a lot more space, and it proved very popular.

“I worked as an assistant and was on the tills before moving to work in pretty much every department, including fragrances and electrical, which is where I’ve been based since 2000.

“I love working here so much, it’s a great company and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else.”

Wendy says many things have changed over the decades, but customers keep returning to the Rochdale outlet.

“We do get the same people coming back again and again because we do put such a big emphasis on the customer,” said Wendy.

“We even had Lenny Henry in here once buying perfume for his mum, and Lisa Stansfield is a local girl who came in regularly.”

Wendy added: “Times have changed, though. When we first got tills they had big batteries that would keep running out. We’d have to try and replace them while the queue stood and watched.

“Before that we did everything on paper, it’s all so different and technical now but it makes things faster and more efficient.

“I’m amazed to have been here for so long and seen so many developments but one thing has remained constant, and that’s my love of being on the shop floor and meeting new people.

“I never really fancied management, I’m just happy to come in every day and do my best for Boots.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Manager, said: “I send my warmest congratulations to Wendy for reaching such a terrific milestone with Boots.

“She is part of a very welcoming team at Boots in Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre and her dedication to good customer service and loyalty to her company should be commended.”

Manager Mike Webster had nothing but praise for his ‘fantastic’ member of staff and hopes she stays with the company for many more years to come.

“Wendy has done virtually every job at this store and is very knowledgeable, she’s fantastic,” said Mike.

“She is one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, and looking at her it’s hard to believe she has been here for 40 years.

He added: “Wendy now works in the electrical department and goes out of her way to help, which is why she is able to get parts from manufacturers that none of us can get.

“In all seriousness, we’re all so glad we’ve got Wendy working here and hope she stays with us for many more years – she is a pleasure to have around.”