With the Christmas season now in full swing at M&S Armagh, the spotlight shines on Kate McCoy, who has been rightly crowned the store’s very own Mrs Christmas.
Kate, a beloved member of the Armagh Foodhall team, is known for her unstoppable enthusiasm, warm personality, and passion for people. A self-confessed chatterbox with a heart firmly rooted in retail, Kate brings an incredible 36 years of retail experience to the store – with the last six years proudly spent at M&S Armagh.
For Kate, Christmas at M&S is pure magic. “I just love the buzz of Christmas and seeing everyone so happy and smiley,” she says. “There’s nothing like the atmosphere at this time of year. Even on the busiest days, the energy around the store keeps me going.”
Kate’s favourite spot in store is undoubtedly the tills, where she thrives on customer interaction.
“I absolutely love being on tills,” she says. “You get to talk to everyone! Our customers are brilliant. They come in excited about the Christmas products, and they love a good yarn, which suits me perfectly.”
Despite all the festive fun, Kate knows the run-up to Christmas can feel a little hectic for customers.
“People do get that wee panic thinking something might sell out,” she says. “But the mood stays brilliant, and I’m always there to lend a hand – whether that’s finding exactly what they’re after or guiding our Christmas temps as they find their feet.”
What makes the festive rush so special for her is the sense of teamwork that defines M&S Armagh at Christmas. “You work so hard at Christmas,” she adds. “But the team around you keeps you going – and our management team is fantastic. That push and support is exactly what you need at this time of year.”
Kate’s passion for her work is infectious, radiating through the Foodhall as she chats with customers, helps colleagues, and embraces every moment of the festive season. “Being here is brilliant all year round,” she says, “but at Christmas? It’s even better.”
When asked to sum up what Christmas at M&S Armagh feels like in one word, Kate doesn’t hesitate: “Magical!”
Simon Graham, Store Manager at M&S Armagh, who nominated Kate for the title, said: “When it came to selecting someone to be this year’s Mrs Christmas, I knew straight away it had to be Kate. Christmas is the busiest time of the year in retail – every aisle is full, the tills are nonstop, and our team is working flat out.
“But Kate keeps everything moving with a smile. Her energy is infectious, and she has a real gift for calming the chaos, supporting our Christmas temps, and lifting the spirits of everyone around her.
“Having someone like Kate on the team makes the season not just manageable, but truly magical for colleagues and customers alike.”
