Deputy Store Manager Audrey Quinn crowned ‘Mrs Christmas’ for spreading festive cheer at M&S Blanchardstown.
Christmas has officially arrived at M&S stores across Ireland, and no one is more excited than Audrey Quinn, Deputy Store Manager at M&S Blanchardstown, who has been affectionately crowned the store’s very own Mrs Christmas.
Known among colleagues for her infectious energy and sparkle, Audrey is the heartbeat of M&S Ireland’s seasonal celebrations. Audrey, from Drogheda, has been part of M&S for 15 years, having started as a Christmas temp and worked her way up through the business – from the Foodhall and Café to Kidswear, Visual Merchandising, and now Deputy Store Manager. This breadth of experience gives Audrey a genuine passion for bringing the festive season to life for both colleagues and loyal M&S customers.
“I’ve always loved Christmas at M&S - it’s the time of year I look forward to most,” says Audrey. “It’s busy, it’s buzzing and fast-paced, but there’s just so much joy in launching Christmas across our stores and seeing colleagues and customers really get into the spirit of it all. I started my career as a Christmas temp 15 years ago, and that’s when I first discovered the magic of an M&S Christmas. Now, as Deputy Store Manager, I love that I get to help make it even bigger and better every year.”
Audrey has already switched on the Christmas soundtrack in store, filling the aisles with festive tunes as she and the team put the finishing touches to the displays.
Her love for the festive season really took off when she became a mother. “I’ve particularly loved Christmas since I had kids,” she says. “Even though they’re all grown up now, those family memories are what it’s all about! At home, my favourite tradition is our annual photo in our Christmas pyjamas in front of the Christmas tree with my husband, three kids, and our dog Hunter.”
This year, Audrey's festive eye is drawn to the products that bring the fun and sparkle. “M&S Christmas is just irresistible, with so much flavour and taste – what’s not to love?” she says. “I’ve already found my new festive favourites: the rosé mulled wine, and everyone should look out for the fabulous Jack in the Box food tin! I’ve also picked out some of the gorgeous velvet bows for my own home!”
“The buzz on TikTok around M&S’s Christmas products sets us apart from anyone else, and it’s brilliant to see more and more younger people coming into the store,” she adds.
You can always spot Mrs Christmas dancing to Christmas tunes in one of her Christmas jumpers and a sparkly skirt. “I’ve got my eye on the Merry & Bright jumper this year,” she laughs. “I encourage everyone to get involved and pop on a Christmas jumper – it’s a brilliant way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!”
One of Audrey’s favourite Christmas traditions is a family Christmas jumper day spent enjoying the hustle and bustle of Dublin in the run-up to the big day. As part of the outing, she always makes sure to stop by M&S’s Mary Street store for a hot chocolate, followed by some shopping on Grafton Street and festive food and drinks in Temple Bar.
And how would Mrs Christmas describe M&S at this time of year in one word? “Magic.”
Peggie Moore, the Store Manager at M&S Blanchardstown, who nominated Audrey for the title, said: “Audrey very much deserves the title of Mrs Christmas. She lives and breathes the festive season with an infectious energy that makes everyone want to get involved. Christmas in retail is the busiest time of the year, but we work hard to make sure the festive spirit never fades. Having someone like Audrey on the team makes it all the more magical for both our colleagues and customers.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Suzy Spence or Sasha Jeffrey at ASG
Tel: 07788 288901 / 07801 254703
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]