The entrepreneur behind the huge success of Poundland has kicked off his new national retail venture, by snubbing employment agencies and hiring recruitment outsourcers to find senior staff.
David Dodd who co-founded Poundland in 1990, opened Hub Retail in Telford Shopping Centre in the autumn, with another outlet to open in Manchester’s Arndale Centre imminently.
However, Mr Dodd, one of the country’s most respected businessmen opted for recruitment outsourcers to find senior staff for the stores which are a step upmarket from Poundland, selling products including homeware, computer consumables and fashion accessories.
Mr Dodd said: “We see ourselves as a next generation retailer and we chose a next generation recruitment solution.”
The one time market trader called in PPS, who have Argos and Halfords amongst their clients, who set up online applications and screened applicants to find management teams for the inaugural stores.
He added: “From a standing start we had roles offered within three weeks with all candidates having a consistent experience of the Hub Retail brand, costing us less time and money than if we’d used a recruitment agency.”
Amanda Marques, Managing Director of PPS said: “We are honoured to be part of the team delivering a new brand to the High Street. David Dodd’s pedigree is well known in the retail sector and we are delighted at the success of the project.”
The initial two Hub Retail shops will create more than 60 jobs, with 30 stores planned before the end of 2012.
Eventually Mr Dodd, who left Poundland in 2006, intends to have a chain of more than 200 stores.
His new venture will draw on his experience of international buying gained from running Poundland, but will try to offer a similar shopping experience to TK Maxx, where customers can find designer names at high street prices.
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