New broom at Dundee Pick n Pay seeks a little magic

With 33 years in the retail trade, Ian Marx has vowed to bring all his experience and dynamism to Dundee Pick n Pay, where he took the reins last week.
A KZN lad by birth, Ian schooled at Kearsney College before moving to Johannesburg, where he pursued a varied and successful career in the retail industry as a top sales representative for various national and international companies.
Ian has a strong hands-on work ethic. He joked that he has a BSc degree (Behind Shop Counter), recalling that his career began when he was just 13 and worked at his dad’s paint factory.
“At 15, I was working weekends at a hardware store and later as a waiter. I just love people and working hard to achieve what I believe,” he told the Courier.

During his time in Johannesburg, Ian rose to the rank of ‘regional sales manager, inland division’, selling various items ranging from household personal care brands to pharmaceuticals.

This saw him operate throughout Southern Africa. In 1995, he started his own deodorant business. His career finally saw him move back to KZN in 2008, where he was involved in exporting and importing goods; and again saw him travel to Zambia to get involved with the erection of prefab homes for the booming mining industry.
“2010 saw the worldwide economic downturn.

That meant the end of my venture. Being unemployed, my wife Tracy and I turned to selling clothing at flea markets and music festivals to put food on the table.”

His fortunes changed again when an opportunity arose for him to get involved in the Estcourt Pick n Pay. “That was over 10 years ago. I loved the challenge and am really grateful that our store there has won numerous awards, including the first store in KZN to win the Pick n Pay birthday award which we won back to back. Our staff also took the best team spirit award in the group,” Ian enthused.
“I want to bring that magic here to Dundee and with the staff we have, I know we are going to do great things.”
Using the buying power of both stores, Ian believes that customers will benefit through competitive pricing.
“Of course, we will support local producers where possible, especially in the fruit and veggie lines.
Our motto is ‘every day is low price day’ and by introducing Thursday market days, we will run deep-cut price promotions in all departments.”
An exciting development to watch out for in the new year is the establishment of a sushi bar at Pick n Pay, which will be outsourced to a national operator.
Ian said he is committed to investing in the community and holds the philosophy that by the community supporting Pick n Pay, ‘great things will be achieved’.

“We are here to offer consumers quality products at the best prices and service. I like to be a hands-on guy and shoppers will see me on the shop floor, where I will be available for a chat. I will be commuting between Estcourt and Dundee, and look forward to meeting all our wonderful shoppers.”
Ian has extended the trading hours from 07:00 to 19:00, seven days a week (09:00 to 14:00 on Christmas Day). When he is not at work, he loves to play golf and be with his wife and their three daughters.

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