Dymocks has appointed Steve Cox as its new MD in an internal appointment to replace outgoing chief Don Grover.
Cox joined the book giant in 2011 as GM of buying, marketing and operations after 20 years in retail management.
He has filled the role in a temporary capacity following Grover’s departure earlier in the year and will drive growth strategy for Dymocks in Australia and internationally, and maintain the company’s vision to remain the market leader in bookselling.
Dymocks currently has 72 Australian stores, 13 in Hong Kong and three in New Zealand. More stores scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
“Dymocks is an iconic Australian brand that has stood the test of time for over 130 years. We’re enjoying strong market leadership, and our brand and store network will continue to thrive in this testing retail climate,” said Cox, pictured.
“There is no doubt that the challenges we face today are, as for many retailers, significant – however, we are fortunate; our locally owned and operated stores are close to their customer. Our stores are part of their local community and our owners understand the detail of what their customer is looking for and are best placed to deliver this to them,” he said in a statement.
“As a brand we are investing in better understanding our customers so that we can continue to evolve with them. Being a multi-channel retailer, we are also well positioned to adapt to changes in customer buying habits with continual investment and innovation in both bricks-and-mortar and online channels. We are an innovative company that has always been at the forefront of development in the Bookselling market and we have again led the way with one of our most exciting recent developments, the launch of our publishing arm, D Publishing.
“We will continue to invest in and expand the Dymocks Booklover’s Rewards program, Australia’s largest rewards program for booklovers. It delivers value and connects our customers to the book content they love. We are focussed on providing the best range of books, with expert advice and customer service across all our channels, delivered by staff who are passionately knowledgeable about books.”
“I look forward to ensuring Dymocks continues to grow sustainably; increasing market share and remaining at the forefront of the industry and ultimately providing our customers and readers the best possible in-store and online customer experience,” concluded Cox.
Cox’s began his career as a sales assistant in the Small Electrical Department of Selfridges department store in London and progressed to general management roles with David Jones and Specialty Fashion Group.
