S7 E2 Inside Julia Darlington’s Retail Career: Buying, Reinvention & Confidence in a Changing Industry (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we’re thrilled to welcome Julia Darlington  a woman whose career spans some of the UK’s most iconic retailers including M&S, French Connection, Habitat, Coast, Tie Rack, Arcadia, and Accessorize (and breathe!).

Julia began her retail journey back in the 1980s, giving her a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution over several decades. She brings a wealth of experience, insight, and perspective and is a passionate advocate for female empowerment within the sector.

In this episode, Julia walks us through her fascinating and non-linear career path: the early roles that shaped her, the pivotal moments that shifted her direction, and the lessons she learned as the retail landscape transformed around her. She shares honestly about the highs, the setbacks, and the serendipitous opportunities that gradually led her to the work she’s doing today helping women build confident, fulfilling careers in retail.

Whether you're starting out, experiencing change, or feeling ready for reinvention, Julia’s story is a reminder that the best careers are rarely linear… and always shaped by the courage to keep moving forward.

What we cover in Part 1:

• How Julia first got into buying - From her earliest steps in retail to what initially sparked her interest in product, customers, and the buying process.
  
  
• Her early days in the industry - The roles that set her foundation and the reality of working in retail in the 1980s.
  
  
• Career journey highlights - Light-touch on her path through some of the UK’s most recognisable brands.
  
  
• How retail has changed over the years - From processes to pace, from customer expectations to team structures.
  
  
• Key turning points & personal reinvention - The promotions, challenges, and defining moments that influenced her long-term career direction.
  
  
• Setbacks that shaped her confidence - How she navigated difficult periods and used them as catalysts for growth.

Three Key Takeaways from Part 1

1. Careers aren’t linear - and that’s a strength.
 Julia’s journey shows how detours, challenges, and unexpected opportunities all play a vital role in shaping a resilient, fulfilling career.

2. The retail industry evolves - and so must we.
 From the 1980s to today, Julia has witnessed huge shifts in customer behaviour, product development, leadership culture, and team dynamics and she shares how adaptability has been essential.

3. Confidence grows through both the highs and the setbacks.
Some of Julia’s most defining moments came from difficult periods, teaching her how to rebuild confidence, embrace reinvention, and stay open to new paths.

This episode is inspiring, encouraging, and full of the kind of wisdom you only get from someone who has seen retail and herself evolve over 40+ years.