A DEDICATED and much-love shop manager is calling it a day after 26 years of service.
Julie Snape, the store manager at F.Hinds in Solihull is set to retire and start the next chapter of her life.
Julie began her F.Hinds journey in January 1999, starting her career under John Sweeney.
She quickly rose through the ranks, first managing the Chelmsley Wood branch for a year before taking the helm at the Solihull store in 2005, where she has remained a cornerstone of the team for the past two decades.
Prior to joining F.Hinds, Julie honed her people skills and leadership from her time as a pub manager, and earlier, trained as a hairdresser. Her diverse background and passion for customer service helped build lasting relationships with both colleagues and customers.
Julie said: “I have loved working for F.Hinds, especially because of all the family history. I love to tell people that I have worked for three generations of the Hinds family. Firstly Roy and Eric, then David, Neil and Andrew, and now of course Paul and Jeremy.
“I work with a wonderful team and couldn’t do my job without them. I would like to take this time to wish them all a big thank you. You are all amazing.”
Over the years, Julie’s become a watch enthusiast, growing her personal collection to around 15 and said if she had she gone into the trade sooner, she would have loved to have trained as a watch technician.
Jeremy Hinds, F.Hinds retail director said: “Julie has been a valued part of F.Hinds for the past 20 years.
“Her dedication to her colleagues, her commitment to great customer service, and her loyalty to the company have set a high standard.
“We’re thankful for all she’s done and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”