Conversation with… People in Retail Awards Judge Sophie Melrose
In this latest Conversations interview, we speak with Sophie Melrose, global head of talent acquisition at Astrid & Miyu and a judge for The People in Retail Awards, about the importance of celebrating the people at the heart of UK retail.
Can you tell us about your role at Astrid & Miyu?
I’ve been at Astrid & Miyu for over four and a half years now, and I lead our talent acquisition team. Essentially, my team’s role is to bring all the amazing people into the business; ensuring they’re in roles that play to their strengths and, most importantly, that they align with our values.
We recruit across every area of the business from our incredible store teams, including stylists, piercers, tattoo artists, jewellers, and wider retail roles, to our office teams. We support every person who joins us and are deeply committed to helping them thrive in their role.
Subscribe to TRBWhat led you into talent acquisition?
It isn’t really something you grow up thinking you’ll do; there’s no university degree for it and most people fall into it because they love people.
I’d been working in communications and marketing, and it just didn’t feel right for me. When I left that role, someone suggested I try recruitment.
I started working in a graduate recruitment agency for about two and a half years and loved it, but I realised I wanted to embed myself in one brand – to live and breathe it and find the right people specifically for that business. When the role at Astrid & Miyu came up, everything aligned: the values, culture, people, and of course the gorgeous products and stores. That’s what brought me here.
With their strong focus on people, why do you think The People in Retail Awards are so important?
Because they celebrate the people who often get forgotten in the day-to-day.
When we attended the awards evening this year, my colleague and I were beaming for weeks afterwards. Watching everyone arrive, getting their photos taken, enjoying a glass of champagne, sitting around the table thinking, “This is about us” – it’s incredibly special.
The awards highlight the amazing people on the ground who might not always be the most visible or shouted out enough. They bring those hidden stars into the spotlight, and that’s why they matter.
As a first-time judge, what does that mean to you personally?
I feel really honoured and genuinely privileged to be involved. The Retail Bulletin has been a big part of my journey at Astrid & Miyu. We’ve been in touch for years through panels, events, and attending the awards. The whole community has a special place in my heart. So, I’m excited to experience it from the other side this year and take part in judging.
As a previous entrant, what message would you give to retailers thinking about making nominations?
Absolutely do it. The impact on the people you nominate is unmatched. Our teams still talk about our win even now. Photos get shared on our Slack channels, and it’s amazing to see team members posting proudly on their own LinkedIn and social media. They come away feeling so proud of themselves and really connected to why they’re here including the difference they make to customers, to the business, and to the wider community. It’s an experience that genuinely stays with them.
Entries for The People in Retail Awards are now open. Find out more here
