Thought Leader in Retail Display
With over 30 years’ experience of working with blue chip brands and retailers, Alan is the founder and Group Managing Director of Global Retail Associates. Alan also works with a number of successful international service providers, specialising in the GNFR sector.
In the UK, Alan has been working closely with Railston Mannequins, to help launch this exciting new mannequin brand. Go to https://www.railstonmannequins.com/ to find out more about what Railston Mannequins can do for you.
As well as helping them develop an impressive range of ‘ready to wear’ mannequins, Alan has supported the Railston creative team with numerous bespokecollections including the inception of an eco-mannequin range with unrivalled sustainability benefits.
Alan has extensive experience within Retail across a wide range of regions including:Europe, the USA, South Africa, Australia, South East Asia and Russia.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Having been made a director and co-owner in 1996, Alan was pivotal in the growth of DisplayPlan up to its acquisition by Leggett & Platt Inc. This was also the period that DisplayPlan successfully expanded into the 'Direct to Retail' sector from its beginnings with FMCG Brands.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - GLOBAL SUPPLY
Following the acquisition of DisplayPlan, Alan worked with L&P's Mergers & Acquisition team opening new branches all over the world. From Brazil to Russia, South Africa to China, Alan took the corporations global reach to another level.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
This new start company saw Alan take the reins of what soon became a successful supplier of retail displays to clients in Europe, USA, South Africa and Australia. It was during this period that Alan opened Global Display South Africa to cater for the groups business in the Southern hemisphere.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
The continued growth of its mannequins, prompted Alan to set up this branch with its specific focus on VM and mannequins. The company opened studios in London and Cape Town to provide mannequin renovations, wigs and make up as a service to key fashion retailers in the UK and South Africa.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Originally running alongside GDP, RDi's main focus was on contract furniture for Hospitality and Retail. Although the business had a very promising start with its bespoke eco-furniture range, the Company was forced to close when the pandemic arrived in the UK.
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
Established as a holding company for the various branches in the UK, South Africa, Australia and China, GRA continues to provide a consultancy service to international retail brands and trade partners.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Having worked as a trade partner to Railston for over 10 years, Alan made the decision to consolidate his UK mannequin business under the Railston banner. The obviouis synergies of a long established retail display provider with a successful creative mannequin house continues to grow from strenght to strength.