Celebrating 37 years with M&S: Paula Barratt’s journey from Leeds to Craigavon
As Marks & Spencer Craigavon prepares to unveil its exciting store renewal next month, one of its most experienced colleagues, Paula Barratt, is marking an incredible 37 years with M&S.
Since joining in 1988, her career has taken her from Leeds to Lisburn and now back closer to home in Craigavon.
Paula’s connection with M&S began long before she joined. “I used to work across the road from the Belfast store and always looked over thinking, one day I’d love to work for M&S,” she recalls.
That dream took a happy twist when Paula met her now-husband, who was visiting from Leeds on a work project. “After a few years of dating, I went to Leeds to see what life was like there – and would you believe it, the local M&S Foodhall was hiring! I finally got my M&S job, just not in the city I expected,” she laughs.
In Leeds, Paula found not only her dream job but also a lifelong friend, Carol. “Carol and I met in the Leeds Foodhall – we’ve been best friends ever since. M&S journeys together and have been there for everything since, including raising our families – from kids to grandkids, we’ve shared it all.”
When her husband’s work brought them back to Northern Ireland, Paula seized the opportunity to continue her M&S journey closer to home. In 1989, she smoothly transferred from Leeds to the newly opened Lisburn store at Sprucefield, where she worked in Menswear.
“Since meeting Carol, the friends I’ve made through M&S have just kept growing,” Paula says. “When I moved to Sprucefield, I met Alison, Donna, Barbara, Julie, and Mary – they quickly became great friends of mine. They’re all long servers too, and we still keep in touch and often reminisce about those early days.”
Then, in 2020, an opening at Craigavon allowed her to return to the Foodhall – a perfect fit given she lives in nearby Portadown.
Being back in the Foodhall – where her M&S journey began – Paula says she still thrives on the fast-paced environment and customer connection that the Foodhall brings. Looking back over almost four decades, she reflects: “When I look back, I feel so proud of the journey I’ve had with M&S – from Leeds to Lisburn and now Craigavon,” she says.
“I just can’t believe how quickly time goes by, and to now be 37 years with M&S is surreal. I’ve seen so much change over the years, but what’s never changed is the people – the amazing colleagues and loyal customers.”
Talking about what’s to come at the Craigavon store, she adds: “Being part of the Craigavon renewal is really exciting. Customers ask why things look a bit different at the moment, and when we tell them what’s coming, they get just as excited as we are. We’re all counting down the days.”
On Paula’s long service, Ryan Lemon, Regional Manager for M&S Northern Ireland, said: “It’s brilliant to see Paula’s passion and dedication for M&S no matter the city. Her 37-year journey shows how people grow and evolve with M&S, and it’s inspiring to see her still bringing the same warmth and energy to Craigavon today. With the transformation at Craigavon almost complete, it’s colleagues like Paula who help deliver great quality, trusted value, and set the standard for exceptional customer experience.”
The Craigavon renewal forms part of M&S’s investment in transforming stores across the UK, designed to offer customers a modern, welcoming shopping experience with an enhanced Foodhall and more sustainable design features. The renewed Craigavon store will open on Friday 28th November 2025 and will be the first store outside of England to feature in ITV’s ‘Inside M&S’, airing in December.