Luxury Sales Empire (LSE) has appointed travel retail buying expert Moyra Race – who runs Moyra Race Strategic Buying Consulting Services – as a consultant to spearhead its expansion across the UK and other European markets.
Established in 2016 by Ghazwan Halbouny, LSE is a travel retail visual merchandising, training and stock support specialist.
The company works with premium fashion brands such as Estella Bartlett, Frederique Constant, Martin James, Seiko, Safilo, Sekonda, along with travel accessory brands Skull Candy and Bitmore.
LSE has access to 25 UK airports, along with Eurotunnel in both the UK and France, plus nine P&O Cruises out of Dover (England).
Halbouny remarked: “We become the eyes and ears of the brand, assisting them in elevating their in-store performance through visual merchandising excellence. We ensure best-in-class sales staff training with superb incentive schemes and conduct regular stock management checks.
“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 maximising their presence in store.”
Race’s appointment aims to help LSE strengthen its UK presence and attract brands in the liquor, confectionery and beauty categories.
Her background includes roles such as Global Head of Category and senior category manager roles with Avolta, specialising in luxury, watches, jewellery, sunglasses and fashion.
More recently she acted as Interim Category Director Luxury (fashion, jewellery and watches) for cruise retailer Harding+.
“Moyra will be a huge asset to LSE,” said Halbouny. “She has a deep knowledge of all things buying, branding and retail; is the ultimate professional with a unique skillset. She is passionate, committed and an overall fantastically knowledgeable addition to the team.”
The company plans to develop a staffing offer to complement its existing business. Halbouny added: “With Moyra’s training and mentoring expertise, we believe that staffing could become an integral part of our offer.
“We will be working in a test basis with a client in Lisbon and Porto airports, and have the opportunity to expand our client services into Spain and Romania. Moyra joining us is just one important element in LSE’s rapid expansion path.”
Race said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Ghazwan and his team to drive the growth of LSE. 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 is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to being more closely involved.” ✈
