Healthy growth has encouraged the Leading Edge Group to restructure and expand its management team by creating a new position, national group manager. Nick Fry, who joined the retailer in 2013, has been elevated into the role. He had previously held the position of Leading Edge head of product and marketing.
Meanwhile, the retailer has moved Andrew Gooch who had previously worked as merchandise manager since 2011, into the position of product manager.
Fry told Appliance Retailer that, over the past 12 months 14 new members had been enlisted to Leading Appliances, and currently had at least another six potential new members in the pipeline. As a result, the restructure was initiated to ensure that each unit could “consistently perform well in key areas such as engaging with and assisting members, new supplier acquisition, recruitment of new members, special program creation, development of training programs, marketing offer growth, category/industry leadership and evolving the business unit as a whole.”
Fry explained that the role of national group manager acts as an “industry champion” for their category. They each have their own dedicated support teams who are category and industry specialists within each Leading Edge’s Business Unit.
“Each Business Unit is also supported by centralised marketing and operations teams which optimise the sharing of resources, experiences and ideas,” he added.
“Things are going well for our group and that is exciting. Although retail still has its challenges, our members are reporting solid trading and we approach the second half of this year with some optimism, “ he said.
Leading Edge will hold its second annual Conference August 21-23 at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne, in conjunction with Leading Edge Electronics. Over 250 delegates will be in attendance, which includes store owners and over 40 suppliers.