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Sue Fowler

Sue Fowler played a significant role at Packs for over 13 years. She began working there around the age of 15 or 16, straight after finishing school, starting in the Knitwear and Underwear departments.

Initially, Sue’s responsibilities were basic—such as brushing clothes and maintaining the shop floor—before progressing to customer service and sales, where she eventually handled significant sales and earned commission. Sue worked closely with customers, often building personal relationships with regulars, including some high-profile individuals. She took pride in her work and described her interactions with both customers and coworkers fondly.

Sue also managed the Shoe Department and was instrumental in maintaining stock, managing presentations and even participating in fashion shows as a dresser. She had a strong rapport with the shop’s owners, especially Mrs Barrow, and remained friendly with many of her former colleagues even after her time at Packs ended.

Her long tenure at Packs, her hands-on involvement in various departments, and her relationships with both customers and colleagues highlighted her integral role in the day-to-day operations of the shop. Even after leaving to raise her children, Sue returned to work at Packs for a period and continued to maintain connections with her coworkers.

Family life

Born: 1947
Pellhurst Road in Ryde

Full interview

Conducted: Simon Perry, 11 July 2024, Ryde
https://packspeople.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sue-fowler-packs-people-project-interview-11-jul-2024.mp3

Read the interview transcript

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Sue Fowler: 11 July 2024 interview transcription

Sue Fowler's audio clips​

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Yellow cassette tape - cutout and labelled

Sue Fowler – The Bridal Department

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Sue Fowler – Fashion shows

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Sue Fowler – Wealthy customers

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Sue Fowler – Funny staircase

Black clear Sony cassette tape

Sue Fowler – No joist hangers in the roof

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Sue Fowler – Swimming during lunch hour

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Sue Fowler – DfLs

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Sue Fowler – The Queen of Shoes

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Sue Fowler – Visitors from Coronation Street

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Sue Fowler – Greeting customers

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Sue Fowler – Working the tills

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Sue Fowler – You didn’t serve customer at the beginning

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Sue Fowler – Trepidation when new to the job

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Sue Fowler – How it began

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