Heli Fanning has been with Sportsgirl since before she really knew what she wanted to do. Now she’s running one of the busiest stores in the country — here’s how that happened.
There’s something kind of refreshing about talking to someone who loves where they work. Heli Fanning, Store Manager at Sportsgirl Chadstone, is one of those people — and after seven years with the brand, it’s clearly not by accident.
We sat down with her to talk about what her days actually look like, what’s kept her around for so long, and what she’d tell anyone thinking about joining the team.
The day-to-day
What does a Store Manager actually do all day?
Heli’s mornings usually start before the first customer walks in — reviewing budgets, making sure everything’s in order, and getting a read on what the day needs. But the part she talks about with the most intention is checking in with her team.
“I like to connect with each of my team members to set clear goals and expectations for their shifts, so that each member of the team feels really supported and motivated for the day ahead.”
It sounds simple, but it makes a real difference. The stores that feel good to walk into — where the energy is right and the staff actually seem happy to be there — don’t happen by accident. That’s the result of someone at the top making it a priority.
Why people stay
Seven years is a long time. So what keeps her here?
Retail has a reputation for high turnover, so we asked Heli directly — what’s made her stay? She didn’t hesitate. It’s the people, and it’s the culture.
Sportsgirl’s identity is built around empowering women and celebrating individuality, and Heli says that filters through into what it feels like to work there.
“I’ve worked with three amazing teams across three different stores,” she says, “and they have made me love coming into work every single day.”
Her path
She didn’t have it all figured out at first, either
When Heli left school, she knew fashion was where she wanted to be — she just wasn’t sure exactly how or where. Sportsgirl gave her a place to figure that out. What she found was a company that actually notices when people are ready for more, and acts on it.
“There’s a real focus on recognising potential and giving people the opportunity to move into different roles.”
That internal support — being seen and given real opportunities to grow — is how someone goes from starting out on the shop floor to managing one of the country’s most iconic retail locations.
For anyone thinking about applying
Heli’s advice, in her own words
Come as you are: Sportsgirl is a creative brand. There’s no template for the right kind of person — show up as yourself and let that do the work.
Attitude matters more than you think: A positive mindset and genuine willingness to learn will take you further than anything else. That’s what people remember.
Retail teaches you a lot: Confidence, communication, working with all kinds of people — these are skills you’ll carry well beyond any job title.
Effort gets noticed: Sportsgirl rewards people who show up and give it their all. Heli’s career is pretty good evidence of that.
“You never know — if you work hard enough, you will be rewarded and be able to achieve all of your goals.”
If Heli’s story sounds like something you want for yourself, The Sussan Group is always looking for people who bring enthusiasm and a willingness to grow. Roles across Sportsgirl, Sussan, and Suzanne Grae on their careers page—maybe it’s the right place to start something new.
