RETAIL entrepreneur Shaun Marwaha, who heads up Glasgow-based Dynamic Retail, the company behind the Scotfresh retail chain, has promoted his retail operations manager Chris Gallacher to managing director – part of a management restructure which will allow him to focus on the strategic growth of the company’s Scotfresh fascia.
As managing director, Gallacher will continue to drive the retailer’s fresh and food to go propositions while remaining focused on improving efficiencies, ensuring staff are customer driven and forging strong relationships with suppliers.
“This is an exciting time for Scotfresh as we move into the next phase of our growth,” said Gallacher.
“It’s not just about adding more stores to our portfolio – it’s about finding the right stores in the right locations. In the meantime, strengthening our fresh and food-to-go business will be one of my immediate priorities and we’re working on rolling out our OOR Kitchen concept to more stores.
“This food-to-go offer is going down well with customers in our Denny and Armadale stores and that is our benchmark for developing the concept in other stores with range tailored to the size and location of the outlet.”
Scotfresh has become an established player over the last two years, with nine stores across Glasgow and the central belt.
Marwaha said: “When we took the decision to grow the business we also decided to create our own convenience brand and develop our own identity in the marketplace. That strategy has paid off for us and Scotfresh is now a brand that consumers recognise and trust.
“I initially brought in Chris to help restructure the business and develop our existing growth strategy with food to go at its core. With Chris taking full control of the day-to-day running of the business I am now in a position to invest more time and energy in seeking new business acquisitions as well as developing and exploring strategies that will put Scotfresh in a position of strength moving forward.
“New store openings will continue to fuel our future development with Chris focusing on key growth areas such as food to go and fresh foods. Staff receiving the right training and ensuring the customer comes first form a big part of his plans this year.”
Founded by Marwaha’s parents Jack and Rita in the east end of Glasgow almost 35 years ago, the business still owns its original store in Riddrie but has expanded with stores in the city’s west end, Cardonald, Scotstoun and Kirklee as well as Denny, Irvine and Armadale.
Gallacher said: “Scotfresh is a fantastic business with an ability to adapt quickly to market conditions and a management team who are both flexible and progressive. Crucially, we understand our customers’ needs and their desire to shop locally in modern stores that offer premium quality fresh foods as well as Scottish and local brands, and their favourite everyday products.
“We continue to operate in a challenging economic climate and fiercely competitive retail sector so our desire to collaborate with our wholesaler and suppliers for mutual benefit has never been so important.”
