Member Article

Flying high with business development manager

A hugely successful Scandinavian fashion retailer is spearheading its ambitions to penetrate the UK market with the appointment of a new business development manager to its first UK store located in Newcastle International Airport.

Aimed at style conscious executive travellers and families, Airport Retail Group (ARG) has appointed a former Marks and Spencer (M&S) manager Steven Fallon to take the helm of its first UK outlet.

ARG has chosen to launch in Newcastle as the first stop in its ambitious plans to roll out the successful brand-led Airport Fashion stores in key UK airport locations.

Aged just 16, Steven began his retail career by taking deliveries and stocking shelves at M&S in the Metro Centre. Within a year he was identified by M&S as a rising star and after completing his Business Management and Economics degree at Northumbria University, was transferred onto the company’s management training programme.

Moving into operations, Steven later managed the evening shift which enabled him to gain much greater understanding of the demands of all sections of the store. At the time of leaving M&S, Steven was responsible for the very successful menswear department with a high value section turnover.

Speaking of his appointment Steven Fallon said: “It is a huge honour to be involved launching ARG to the UK market – roles like this do not come along very often so I am delighted to have been appointed. Having the opportunity to work with my Scandinavian colleagues and to see firsthand how the business in Oslo and Stockholm operates has been invaluable.

“The opportunity to influence the role out of other UK stores was also a major influence in my taking this position and the requirement to stay one step ahead of the market makes this a challenge I am delighted to take on.”

Marco Bolandrina from ARG said: “Steven’s understanding of both the UK and European fashion markets as well as his obvious commercial experience makes him an important strategic appointment. Launching our first UK retail outlet is a huge responsibility and one we feel Steven is more than able to handle. We are sure he will be invaluable in our long-term strategy of offering high quality branded fashion in major UK airports.”

ARG is renowned across Scandinavia for offering high quality brands such as Hugo Boss, Lyle & Scott, Eton shirts, Tommy Hilfiger and GANT. Located airside (after security) the luxury store offers a large selection of designer fashion for men, women and children as well as a host of accessories and travel items.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Ford .