A town centre retail landmark is celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of its workers.
Vivienne Alcoc is a familiar face for many shoppers at Freshney Place, as she celebrates 30 years of service at the shopping centre.
Vivienne, who is currently working as a sales and service manager at Clarks, has spent three decades working in the heart of Grimsby’s retail community, witnessing first-hand many of the changes, upheavals, and new arrivals of retailers occupying the centre.
After previously working for numerous retailers, including Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Etam, and now Clarks, Vivienne reflects on her career, saying that retail is “such a lively and vibrant environment.”
She said: “Retail was such a lively and vibrant environment when I first started. Shopping was an adventure, and everyone came out for the day. I’ve always thrived on being busy and challenged – it’s what makes retail so exciting.”
During her tenure, Vivienne has seen numerous stores disappear, appear, and sometimes reappear, and remains optimistic about the future of retail in Grimsby.
She added: “The regeneration programme at Freshney Place is so important – it will bring new life and energy back into the centre. This shopping centre is still a vital part of the Grimsby community, offering essential services like the CDC and attracting new retailers. There are real positive shoots of growth coming.”
Some of her proudest career moments include two standout achievements: organising 33 bespoke suits for Cleethorpes Town Football Club ahead of their Wembley Cup final and successfully campaigning to save her store from closure alongside colleague and store manager, Amanda Elwis.
Reflecting on her career, Vivienne credits her team for their continued support: “My colleagues are immensely proud of what I’ve achieved, but I’m equally proud of them. We really are like a family here.”
Elliott Andrews, Centre Manager at Freshney Place said: We’re so delighted to celebrate Viv’s 30 years of service. Her commitment and passion for retail embody the spirit of Freshney Place, we hope she will be with us for many more years to come!”
Reporter.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2024.