Respected retailer decides it’s time to move on
RENOWNED Scottish convenience retailer Moira Dean has announced she is leaving the channel at the end of July.
Moira is moving on from her current position as retail services manager at Premier @ DUSA after nearly 10 years at the Dundee University-based store.
The highly regarded operator said she has made the decision against a backdrop of financial pressures and job cuts at the university, which in turn has affected the store, alongside a substantial increase in retail thefts – something that is a new phenomenon.
The store is effectively a charity, with any surplus circulated back into the students’ association, which in turn helps fund the welfare facilities DUSA provides. And as the Premier outlet is owned and operated by the students’ association, this has placed several financial constraints upon the store during an uncertain time.
Moira told Scottish Grocer: “I’m distraught to be leaving my fantastic team at DUSA and the student community, who I really care about, but feel it is time to move on.”
During her time at the store, the multi-award-winning retailer has been determined to ensure the DUSA shop meets the needs and desires of students. So, both the variety of categories (including clothing, for example) and ranges within categories go far beyond those of most convenience stores.
As a lot of the students come from overseas, Moira has also put an emphasis on having products that make them feel at home – from soft drinks to ready meals. She has also nurtured young students and helped to educate them on issues such as healthier options and sustainability.
With about 75% of the store staff being current or former students, Moira has also championed training in store alongside DUSA’s wider training programmes so that they are ready to face the wider world of work – and helped to reduce student poverty in the process.
The convenience retail trailblazer is also very knowledgeable about key policies and schemes that are affecting the sector, such as DRS and HFSS.
As a very active member of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), the RAF veteran has contributed to numerous industry panels, sharing her insights and experiences. This has included addressing a cross-party group at the Scottish Parliament and meeting with the Low Pay Commission.
Moira, who is moving to become a manager at a Costa Coffee outlet in Dundee, added: “I’m really going to miss my involvement with the SGF and the wider convenience retail community. I am looking forward to the new career move and exciting times ahead working with a renowned high street hospitality outlet such as Costa Coffee.”
