ILR Appoints New GM With Eye For Growth

Independent Liquor Retailers has appointed Corey Leeson as its General Manager. Leeson has been running the group’s trade marketing for more than five years.

Moving into the new role, Leeson said his focus will be to further strengthen the return to members.

“ILR really does put members at the centre of all of its decision making and in my new role I’m determined to continue that tradition,” said Leeson.

“The group has always been governed by a Board made up exclusively of liquor retailers and that delivers a unique understanding of issues facing independent retailers.

“Our key strength compared to other banners has always been the delivery of 100% of profits back to members with no shareholders to satisfy and no fees to pay. We also allow all members stock profit opportunities by paying rebates on all purchases, not just scan sales.” 

In terms of growth, Leeson said the group will have four banner brands in total by year’s end, and is investing in initiatives that benefit consumers, retailers and members alike.

“We’ve always operated two successful banner brands – Local Liquor and Countrywide Liquor – and recently we added Liquor & Co to provide a new option for members. By the end of this year we’ll have four banner brands operating and an expanded range of ways members can make the most out of their partnership with ILR,” said Leeson.

“We’re also investing in smart trade initiatives like our recently launched ‘Price Vice’ – an everyday low price program that offers value to consumers, an edge for retailers and supports members by allowing them to buy at the best price on a single case purchase, eliminating out of stocks and helping with cash flow.” 

Leeson also shared an insight into how ILR plans to ensure its brands lead in the rapidly evolving industry, as well as his vision for the group’s future.

“In May we’re partnering with key suppliers to welcome our members to a business success conference in Nashville, we’ll continue to invest in our premium catalogue So Vino, we’ll adapt and evolve our banner brands to meet the changing needs of the market and we’ll be looking at innovative ways to drive genuine differentiation,” said Leeson.
 
“It’s a challenging time in retail but the opportunities are there and we are committed to taking them.

“My vision for ILR is to be recognised amongst independent retail businesses and suppliers as a market leader in retail liquor. To do that requires a market competitive promotional program, an innovative and nimble approach with the ability to respond to changing market dynamics quickly and, of course, the ability to deliver value for money to consumers.

“Ultimately I want ILR to be viewed as a genuine independent group that’s run by the members for the benefit of the members to ensure they are all as profitable as possible.”