Nationwide NZ retailer Postie has restructured its executive leadership team and is relocating key merchandising and marketing functions to Auckland as it implements plans to grow the Postie brand through acquisition and an extended store presence.
Group CEO Ron Boskell said that with shareholders giving their overwhelming support to sell the Babycity chain to focus on building the flagship Postie brand and business model, PPGL was ready to put the next phase of its strategy into actions, starting with two senior appointments to drive the changes and a progressive move northwards to be located closer to customers and growth markets.
Current GM of Postie, David Primus has been appointed to a new role as GM strategy focusing on acquisition and e-commerce strategies as well as a range of business development projects. The new GM Postie is Jane Gammon, a seasoned apparel retailer, who was international business manager with Pumpkin Patch and has also worked in merchandising and buying roles at The Warehouse and at Debenhams in the UK. She will take up the position in early June.
“We have talked a lot about our strategy to become a modern, exciting retailer for all the family with a nationwide network of stores and an appealing online shopping presence,” Boskell said. “We want to double in size and while some growth will be organic we are venturing into extending our range and reach through the acquisition of compatible brands and with that in mind we will progressively shift our base from Christchurch to Auckland where our greatest growth opportunities lie.”
Postie’s merchandising, planning and marketing functions will move to Auckland in early 2013 with finance, IT, logistics and HR remaining in Christchurch until 2014. Specialty school uniform supply business, Schooltex will also stay headquartered in Christchurch.
There will be no financial impact of the relocation in the current financial year with provisions to be made in 2013 and 2014 budgets. All staff affected will be offered redundancy and job placement assistance.
Postie formerly traded as Postie Plus.
