29 March 2024, 10:24
By Furniture News Jan 12, 2018

Gallery Direct appoints UK sales manager

Gallery Direct has announced the appointment of Sally Simmons as UK sales manager, further strengthening the company's independent sales team.

Her appointment is part of a planned replacement for Alan Sadler who is going into semi-retirement, but will still remain with Gallery. 

MD Peter Delaney says: “We are delighted to welcome Sally to the team and are confident that she will add significant value, thanks to her experience and knowledge gained from years in the industry. We’d also like to thank Alan for all his hard work and dedication over the years. We hope he enjoys his semi-retirement, but are delighted that he will still be working with us.”

Sally started her career at Harrods in 1980 as a retail management trainee, before working her way up to furniture buyer, where she had full responsibility for sales as well as merchandise selection. Prior to leaving Harrods, she took on a role in distribution and customer service to implement new systems.

Her next step was as sales & marketing director at Intermobel, followed by 10 years as a self-employed sales agent, representing European-based manufacturing to independent and national retailers throughout UK.

From here, Sally moved on to work for four years as a retail manager for two independent businesses in Surrey, with responsibility for all aspects of the running of the stores and their profitability. She then joined Associated Independent Stores buying group as a product selector within the furniture category, where she gained understanding of independent retailers and their differing business models.

Sally comments: “I am thrilled to join Gallery Direct, and I am confident that, with my experience and knowledge, I can make a valuable and positive contribution to the business. My career has given me a great background for the role. I’ve gained a 360-degree view of retail and its supply chain within the home furnishings industry, working with independents and national retailers alike, providing me with an understanding of key communication, logistical and financial factors. I’m really looking forward to working with the team to keep driving the business forwards.”

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