Luxury Sales Empire appoints Moyra Race to build niche brand service company
Moyra Race: "I am confident we will more than surpass our goal to become the industry’s go-to company for visual merchandising, shop floor training, staffing and stock management, not just in the UK but globally"
Niche travel retail visual merchandising, training and stock support specialist Luxury Sales Empire (LSE) has announced the consultancy appointment of well-known industry strategist Moyra Race to drive its expansion across the UK and into European locations.
Set up in 2016 by Ghazwan Halbouny, LSE works primarily with premium fashion brands such as Estella Bartlett, Frédérique Constant SA, Martin James, Seiko, Safilo, Sekonda, along with travel accessory brands Skull Candy and Bitmore. With access to 25 UK airports, along with Eurotunnel in both the UK and France, plus nine P&O ships out of Dover, LSE has built a very specific service for travel retail brands.
“We become the eyes and ears of the brand, assisting them to elevate their instore performance through visual merchandising excellence, ensuring best in class sales staff training with superb incentive schemes, and regular stock management checks,” Halbouny said. “In effect, we are an extension of the brand, updating visuals, changing displays, problem solving and fast tracking all the processes required to give brands the best chance of maximizing their presence instore.”
Race’s appointment is in response to the clear opportunity for LSE to further strengthen its position in the UK, attracting brands in a wider range of categories including liquor, confectionery and beauty, whilst continuing to expand its luxury business. She brings a wealth of experience to LSE. As a specialist in training and mentoring buyers her background includes roles such as Global Head of Category and senior category manager roles with World Duty Free and Dufry (both now under the Avolta umbrella), specializing in Luxury, watches, jewelry, sunglasses and fashion. More recently she acted as Interim Category Director Luxury (FJ and Watches) for Harding+
“Moyra will be a huge asset to LSE,” Halbouny said. “She has a deep knowledge of all things buying, branding and retail and is the ultimate professional with a unique skill-set. She is passionate, committed and an overall fantastically knowledgeable addition to the team.”
The company also has ambitions to develop a staffing offer to complement its existing business. “With Moyra’s training and mentoring expertise, we believe that staffing could become an integral part of our offer,” Halbouny added.
LSE is also well placed to expand its operations into Europe. “We will be working in a test basis with a client in Lisbon and Porto airports and also have opportunity to expand our client services into Spain and Romania. So Moyra joining us is just one important element in LSE’s rapid expansion path.”
“I’m thrilled to be working with Ghazwan and his team to drive the growth of LSE, “ Race said. “With such a dedicated team and a truly niche offer for brands in travel retail, I am confident we will more than surpass our goal to become the industry’s go-to company for visual merchandising, shop floor training, staffing and stock management, not just in the UK but globally.
“I can honestly say the service that Ghazwan and his team have provided for their current portfolio is exceptional and I have happily recommended them to many of my previous suppliers, none of which have been disappointed. It’s an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to being more closely involved.”
