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Abraham Moon is a hand-selected stockist of Maxwell-Scott bags. Paul Gatehouse, the store manager, tells us about a day in his life…
The iconic wool makers Abraham Moon are and always will be a Yorkshire-based company – making them the perfect match for Maxwell – Scott. Together we share a mutual desire to honour craftsmanship, as both of our brands champion a timeless British aesthetic and Yorkshire charm. We currently stock an edit of our most iconic and classic leather bags and accessories in Abraham Moon’s flagship shop in York.
Abraham Moon was founded in 1837 the same year that Queen Victoria ascended to the British throne. They have been manufacturing in their Guiseley mill, North Yorkshire, since 1868. The company has thrived from then on. In 1989, John Walsh the current Manager Director became the fourth generation of the Walsh family to run the company.
The most recent venture for the company has been Abraham Moon’s flagship York store. Opening its doors to the public in 2017, the shop is situated in an incredible 17th century townhouse just a stone’s throw away from the Minster. The building reflects the character of the brand with ornate stain glass windows, lavish wood panel walls and heaps of interest.
Paul Gatehouse himself joined Abraham Moon in March 2017 in order to project manage and run this flagship store.
When and why did you take on this role as the store manager of Abraham Moon?
I had already been approached to run the Mill shop over at Guiseley but the role was not appropriate for me. So, once the flagship store plan was in place I was interviewed for this job instead. I was very excited about the company for many reasons. Firstly the fact that the company had a long 180 year history which meant that it is steeped in tradition. I also knew that it was a family-run business and that appealed to me greatly as opposed to working for a large conglomerate. When I actually met John and the other directors I realised that they were, and the company was, truly great to work for. And then, lastly, it was down to the quality of the products and the new opportunity that their first retail store offered me. I had never project managed a store opening so it was certainly a new challenge. I loved the possibility that the role offered me to grow the retail side of Abraham Moon. Really, everything appealed.
What is the first thing that you do in the morning?
I am an early riser so I get up at 5:30 every morning. Then all I need is coffee, coffee and more coffee.
What item can you never leave the house without?
Admittedly I would have to say that it is my work phone. It is constantly on me.
What do you listen to/read on the way to work?
I have a short commute on the train, so after some work emails I tend to read. I am currently reading Dave Eggers’ The Heartbreaking Work Of A Staggering Genius. I am actually rereading it after 12 years – it is an interesting little book.
How do you get ready to face the day?
I like to get into the shop a good hour before everyone else. For me, this is the little bit of time that I get to set up the day. It is so important – I always find it helpful to have the day planned out in these moments of calm.
What are the biggest challenges you face day to day in your business, and how do you tackle them?
I would say that getting the word out that we (the Abraham Moon store) are here is the main thing. At the moment is is crucial for me to find new ways to spread the word about the quality of the products that we sell. So far we have been focusing on social media such as the Facebook page. It is all about people experiencing what we have to offer – which is so very much.
Is there a wide variety roles that you adopt within your day to day work life? Is there even such a thing as an average day at work?
Everyday is certainly unique working here. I am involved in so much more of this company than I have ever been before in my career. Each day I manage to combine training, administration, motivation, buying, merchandising, HR and health and safety roles. We do not have to follow the usual retail structures that other stores do, such as being supplied with buying and merchandising so I spend a lot of time in product development, sourcing, and working with suppliers. I even work closely with the accounts team over at the mill – it is safe to say I am becoming quite adept at a spreadsheet. On days when I actually go over to the mill, this is for marketing or product development meetings or just to catch up with John and the rest of the directors to look at strategies. The possibilities are endless.
How do you maintain a work life balance?
Is there such a thing? Definitely at the moment it is just work, work and then a bit more work. This is not frustrating though because Abraham Moon is a company expanding and so, a few years of hard work is sure to pay off in the long run. I would say though for the time being it is a 90/10 work split. These exciting times mean that it is not really work.
What skills do you need in order to work in retail day by day?
Patience. You must also want to interact with people. It is a pleasure to deal with lovely people and thankfully, all of our York customers are fantastic.
What are the best things about your jobs?
The fact it is never the same and the potential for growth. For me the interest factor is key. Also, of course, I love working with my team. They are great and it is a pleasure working with people who care so much about the product.
What makes you happy in a day?
Other than the coffee? Well, direct sales still give me a buzz. It is a touch of adrenaline throughout the day.
What is the best way to unwind after a long day at work?
I like to settle down with a glass of wine but truly I don’t think I do unwind. It has been a busy 18 months which means that unwinding at the end of the day is not much of an option still.
What is the last thing that you do in the evening?
I check the work phone – I am that committed.
What’s your one piece of career advice?
I have worked in many different areas of retail from fashion to lighting to furniture but I think this advice is not retail specific. There is always an awful lot to learn when you start a new job and you will never learn absolutely everything. If you do know everything about everything then it is probably time to move on and find a new challenge.
Do you have a favourite piece by Maxwell – Scott?
I really love the travel holdall, the Farini. It is a thing of beauty.
Shop a range of Maxwell Scott’s most iconic bags and accessories at Abraham Moon’s flagship shop in York.
Address:
33 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AW
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm.
Find them online here
