Secret Sales hires former ASOS Senior Merchandiser as Head of Trading

Former ASOS Senior Merchandiser Peter Coombes has joined Secret Sales as the Head of Trading, the latest appointment in an ongoing management recruitment drive by the ecommerce marketplace.

Coombes will lead the category trading team at Secret Sales. In his new role, he will develop organisational capability and commercial strategies to maximise merchandise value for over 900 fashion, beauty and homeware brands selling non full price stock on the site.  Coombes will report to Secret Sales’ Chief Trading Officer, Shahnila Rashid.

Prior to joining Secret Sales, he spent six years at ASOS, transforming its outlet division into an optimised off-price business. Coombes led the menswear and womenswear merchandising teams during his tenure, overseeing significant growth and creating one of the largest businesses within the company in terms of revenue, SKU count and team members.

Coombes was previously at TK Maxx and Homesense, where he spent nine years finessing off-price principles across all product ranges from kitchenware to accessories. In addition to leading and developing a large team, Coombes was credited with launching a successful jewellery business within the retail group.

Chris Griffin, CEO of Secret Sales commented on the appointment of Coombes: "After strengthening our leadership team earlier this autumn with newly-created roles for six accomplished retail names, we are continuing to grow. Peter is the latest key addition to our pool of industry talent. He understands how we’re changing the fashion industry with our brand-enhancing discount marketplace model and why it is so appealing to brands and retailers. His expertise in non full price merchandising at a senior level will advance our trading capabilities and bring huge benefits to our brand partners."

Coombes added: "Secret Sales model of helping brands profitably trade non full price stock is disruptive and forward-thinking. I am excited to be working with and learning from a great team, and am keen to use my off-price and ecommerce background to help deliver a fantastic experience for our customers, brands and retail partners."