Q&A: The Grocery Analyst Who Became a Grocery Stockboy

Bryan Roberts is a London-based veteran food retailing analyst who recently took an hourly job at a Tesco supermarket.

Jon Springer: You were an analyst covering the food retailing space for years but recently switched teams, so to speak. Can you briefly explain the circumstances for our readers?

Bryan Roberts: I had worked for four or five different retail research and insights businesses for over 15 years before moving to a shopper loyalty company around four years ago. Sadly, my role there was curtailed as part of a restructuring in January. As the pandemic took hold in March this year, the U.K.’s supermarkets called out for tens of thousands of new temporary hires to cover those out sick or self-isolating, and I saw this as a great opportunity—not only to earn a wage and try and lend a hand in a tough situation but to belatedly get some real experience at the sharp end of an industry that I claimed to be an expert in. Six weeks on, I’m still stacking shelves in a Tesco supermarket.  

How has having studied the business come in handy in your new role?

I had managed to glean enough understanding of supply chain, logistics, promotions, in-store processes and shopper behavior over the years to feel like I wasn’t entering the store as a totally clueless novice. Having analyzed Tesco for many years on behalf of major CPG suppliers, I also had a good understanding of its strategy and performance, which gave some valuable context to frame up what I’ve been seeing in-store. All that said, it’s become painfully clear that there is a massive gulf between analyzing supermarkets and actually working in one! 

What have been the sharpest points of your learning curve? What didn’t you appreciate about the business you know today?

I can hand on heart say that I’ve learned something new every day. Perhaps the biggest challenge has been the level of multitasking required, which is unfortunate as this has never been one of my strengths. Remembering to keep bread and milk topped up while replenishing dairy, keeping the store tidy and showing a customer where the garlic puree is has required previously undiscovered levels of short-term memory. One of my biggest realizations is that a role looked down upon by many as low-skilled actually requires a skill set as broad as it is deep, combining mental and physical agility and no small measure of emotional intelligence. Here in the U.K., the shift in language from “shelf stacker” to “key worker” is both overdue and profoundly welcome.

You joined Tesco shortly before the pandemic struck. How are supermarkets holding up there?

I’d say most are virtually back to normal in terms of availability, with the ongoing exceptions of flour and yeast thanks to every single British citizen becoming an artisan baker. Obviously, the frenzy of the stockpiling era is behind us, and the retailers are instead becoming accustomed to fewer trips and bigger baskets as the old-fashioned weekly shop makes a comeback. One industrywide challenge has been the ramping up of capacity in online retailing to meet the burgeoning demand. Tesco, for example, has doubled its capacity and recently processed 1 million orders in a week.   

What’s your next career move?

I wish I knew! The job market is not in a great place at the moment, but hopefully things will pick up as the crisis abates, and I can look to secure a permanent insights role, perhaps back in market research or even possibly at a retailer or supplier. Either way, my new experience on the shop floor has given me a better understanding of the industry and a fresh perspective that I can take to a future employer.

Lightning Round 

You’re Twitter famous for your “Burger of the Week” posts. Can you share a couple of your all-time favorites (U.S. and U.K.)?

I finally visited In-N-Out last year, and that joins Wendy’s, Hardee’s and Red Robin as favorites. In the U.K., Almost Famous is amazing.

Are hourly retail workers paid enough?

Nope.

Recommend three country albums we should all listen to right now:

“Chief” by Eric Church, “Girl Going Nowhere” by Ashley McBryde and “Hell on Heels” by Pistol Annies. 

What do you miss most from the pre-pandemic world?

Aside from friends and family, it has to be watching Hendon Football Club.