Following a record start to 2012-2013 financial year, Direct Golf UK, Europe’s leading multi-channel golf retailer, announces some restructuring and exciting new appointments to their purchasing department as they prepare for their next phase of growth.
Firstly, Mike Peebles, currently Regional Manager for Direct Golf UK, will be joining the purchasing department as VM & Category Manager (Clothing/Footwear). Mike is a former PGA Professional and has a great understanding of the business having worked for DGUK for 10 years. During this time he has managed a number of stores (Doncaster, Lincoln and Huddersfield) leading to his promotion to Regional Manager and National Visual Merchandising in 2011.
Secondly, Jamie Coverley, currently manager at the Huddersfield Stadium Store and Driving Range, will be moving to Head Office as Marketplace & Category Manager (Clubs/Equipment). A Class AA PGA Professional of 15 years, Jamie joined the Direct Golf UK business in December 2011 from Bradley Park Golf Club. Jamie has a wealth of golf industry experience in retail, coaching and buying, starting his career under the guidance of Direct Golf UK founder and Chairman, John Andrew, at Crosland Heath Golf Club in 1990-91, and variety of golf professional roles since.
Finally, Shane Ashington has recently taken up a new Senior Merchandiser position. With expertise in stock allocation across all of the DGUK retail stores, Shane will work closely with the Category Managers and brands in regard to stock, sales and margin performance.
Commenting on the appointments, Neil Bell, Managing Director, said: “Jamie and Mike are both very well respected within our business and their knowledge of how Direct Golf operates was fundamental to their appointments and gives me great confidence. They both have a great deal of golf retail management experience and their new roles will see the business increase our ability to work with the brands on maximising the performance of specific categories.”
James Toase, Direct Sales, Purchasing and Marketing Director, added: “Shane Ashington has exceptional reporting skills and has developed expertise in how best to implement this information in terms of stock management and maximising sales, so his appointment is fully deserved.”
The appointments and restructuring follow the news that, after three years at DGUK, Gareth Vipond will be leaving the business on 1st February.
“The past twelve months have been challenging for the business for a number of reasons, including personnel changes within our purchasing department. Our business is continually growing and evolving so change is inevitable. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our valued suppliers and partners for their patience and support during this period. I believe the restructuring and new appointments demonstrate that Direct Golf UK mean business in 2013 and should provide our suppliers with even greater confidence going forward” concluded Toase.
The restructuring and bolstering of staff within the purchasing department will enable Direct Golf UK to further develop its visual merchandising and its market place business as it ramps up efforts to support the aggressive growth plans for 2013/2014.
Jamie will join Shane, James and John Andrew in Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show while Mike Peebles will commence his new role in February.
Direct Golf UK www.direct-golf.co.uk