Dealz and Poundland have appointed two Irish women to take leading roles as part of a new structure for the business across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The discount retailer has created two new positions to oversee the business across the island but will continue to trade as Dealz in the Republic of Ireland and as Poundland in Northern Ireland.
The change to the new structure reflects the importance of the two markets as the company accelerates its reinvention programmes.
Sharon Sheridan has been appointed Country Manager – Trading, responsible for trading decisions, including buying, merchandising and supply chain. Sharon has led trading in the Republic of Ireland for the past seven years.
Olivia McLoughlin, who joined last October from Dixons Carphone, has been appointed Country Manager – Retail, with responsibility for supervision of 99 stores. Olivia was previously responsible for ROI, NI & Scotland with Claire’s Accessories & all of Ireland with Carraig Donn.
Austin Cooke, Retail Director, said: “Dealz and Poundland are transforming at pace and we’re excited about Olivia and Sharon leading the exciting development of our stores across the island of Ireland. Between them, they’ll be responsible for the operational, and trading performance north and south of the border.”
Tim Bettley, Trading Director, said: “There’s nothing but opportunity for us across Ireland and we have huge confidence in Sharon and Olivia’s ability to help us grow both the Dealz and Poundland brands there.”
The group trades from 66 Dealz stores in the Republic of Ireland and 33 Poundland shops in Northern Ireland. Last year it announced ambitious plans to open 10 more stores in the republic this year.
The search for talented Irish retailers to help grow the business North and South is a key priority for Sharon and Olivia with the ambitious expansion plans across Dealz and Pep&Co.
The two brands have shaken up the retail sector with their simple pricing policy and have become flagship tenants in high streets and shopping centres at a time when other retailers have been in retreat. Key categories include food and drink, health and beauty, home and pet, leisure and entertainment, stationery, party and celebrations.
North and South, 42 stores have also introduced PEP&CO family fashion through ‘shop-in-shops’.
Following the success of Dealz in Ireland, parent company Pepco is currently expanding the brand in Spain and Poland.
