Ableworld promotes successful retail manager to senior buying position following year on year growth
Ableworld, the UK’s largest retailer with 34 stores across its portfolio, has promoted Tony Leavy to the role of buying manager with immediate effect as the organisation seeks to develop its product offering and margins.
Mike Williams, Founder and Managing Director of Ableworld, mentioned earlier in the year that Tony was to play a key role in the company’s plans to strengthen its buying team.
Having worked in one of Ableworld’s most successful stores for the past couple of years, increasing sales by over 42 percent during his tenure, Tony has been involved in regular supplier meetings, refreshing and upgrading ranges of products, as well as accelerating store category reviews.
Tony commented: “Being based in our stores for over two years has given me the insight into exactly what our stores and customers need when it comes to buying in products.”
According to the mobility retailer, this insight has allowed Ableworld ‘to stay ahead of the game where bringing in quality products are concerned’.
Commenting on the promotion, Mike said: “Being part of the senior management team, Tony will be managing the buying team and liaising closely with myself on improving ranges and margins.”
Prior to joining Ableworld, Tony had worked for a number of large retailers, including the Co-operative Group and TK Maxx, working in management for both companies.
His promotion follows Ableworld’s recent announcement in October 2018 that it had achieved year on year sales growth of 14 percent across its company-owned stores and 15 percent growth amongst its franchise stores.
Speaking to Mike in November’s Retailer Spotlight, he explained to THIIS the role the company’s buying department plays in its success.
“We have an in-depth range of products on the shop floor – wider than anyone else in the country – and well over 1,000 lines in stock,” he said.
“The buying and merchandising department line-plan our stores, constantly review more eco-friendly packaging, strive to provide the very best of services and product and are constantly refreshing and upgrading all ranges of products to meet the increasing needs of our customers.”
