People behind the businesses in Wainwright’s Yard Series.

A key part of the retail offering is Booths Kendal and behind the store’s daily operations is its Store Manager, Carl Hogan.

A Career Built at Booths

Carl’s been with Booths for nearly 24 years, starting in a part-time role whilst at college. He then joined their Trainee Manager scheme, spent three years at the Penrith store and became Kendal’s Store Manager in January 2024. Outside of work, Carl likes to run, and he completed his first full marathon in 2025.

The Kendal Store

Opened in November 2004 as a brand new purpose-built store, recent updates include a refreshed layout, new refrigeration units, and upgraded counters. It offers a broad product range, including specialist butchery, fish, cheese, deli, and hot food counters. There’s also a popular café and an area dedicated to gifts. Whilst each Booths store is unique, shoppers can expect the same warm northern welcome at each. In Kendal, the spacious layout and high ceilings mean it’s a great shopping environment, where you’ll be supported by a helpful and friendly team. You’ll often find check-out staff helping older customers pack their shopping into rucksacks.

Supporting Local Producers

Carl says customers love to shop local and that influences the store’s stock selection and partnerships. One of its most popular products is the Bowness Bay Brewing beer range, produced less than two miles from the store.

Community Engagement

Over the past year, the store has supported Growing Well, a charity focused on mental health and therapeutic outdoor activity. Their local base is near Kendal. You’ll also find displays from local groups and charities and food themed promotions throughout the year.

Behind the Scenes

For Carl, the best part of working at Booths is the variety each day brings and the opportunity to support and develop his team. His day begins with a coffee and a to-do list, followed by time on the shop floor checking in with colleagues and monitoring progress. The team’s goal is to deliver a world-class shopping experience daily, supported by dedicated staff and a wide range of quality products.

Working in Wainwright’s Yard

Carl says there’s a real buzz in the town centre supermarket because they serve thousands of customers daily and each one of them wants something different. This ranges from a busy local worker wanting to buy lunch and looking for friendly efficient service to an elderly customer who absolutely love the interaction they receive from staff and a more personal shopping experience.