When 17-year-old Janette Walker came through the doors of Asda in February 1981, she never imagined she’d still be part of the checkout team nearly half a century later.
A 45-year career at Asda Blantyre
Back then, Janette says she wasn’t sure what the future held, but working at Asda turned out to fit her busy family life perfectly. Now, 45 years later and a proud grandmother to Reece, 11, and eight-year-old Jessica, Janette is still making a difference at Asda Blantyre as a “Janette-of-all-trades”, working four days a week everywhere from checkouts and self-scan to the all-important customer service desk.
“It’s been a huge part of my life across five decades – I love being part of the team,” says the 62-year-old.
Witnessing change and community spirit
Not only has Janette witnessed the shift from Asda’s iconic chequered aprons to its green and black polos but she’s also seen the evolution of in-store technology along the way. “I love barcodes,” says Janette. “We used to have to key in all the prices and remember most of them too, now it’s so much easier.”
And, after all this time Janette still loves working in the Asda at the heart of the community. “I worked during Covid and really loved that our store was so important to people then. I saw us all coming together as a great community and the kindness shown to each other was amazing to see.”
Friendships and recognition
Looking back on her time with Asda, Janette says it's the friendships she's made that mean the most. She explained: "I've made lifelong friends along the way, and some of my favourite memories are of the girls I started with and the days when the canteen was full of everyone chatting about what was on TV. I've always loved a work night or day out and there are always some great stories afterwards - even some you can't always share!"
In a recent series of celebrations across Scotland, long-service colleagues like Janette were recognised for their tremendous achievement and dedication to serving their communities. Janette added: "I know a lot of companies don't reward long service, but I have been serving in Asda for 45 years and I appreciate that it is still important to Asda to recognise that. It makes you feel valued."
Janette, centre, with Asda Blantyre customer service manager Yvonne Shanks and GSM Steven McKean. "It’s a great organisation, and I hope to stay at Asda Blantyre until I retire."
Mary Sutherland, Community Champion at Asda Blantyre, said: “Janette is a fantastic colleague, and we’re all thrilled for her to have reached this incredible milestone. Congratulations from all your colleagues here at the store.”
