Centre Manager of the Year 450,001 sq ft and above
Don Nugent, who has a background in department store management as well as an earlier spell as a shopping centre manager, was appointed centre director of Dundrum in 2003, and the centre opened in March 2005. .In the three years since the opening it has consistently exceeded footfall targets with over 16 million visitors in 2007. In that year average spend increased by 30 per cent with total revenues for 2007 increasing by 17 per cent to e700m. Dwell time grew by 12 per cent.
Dundrum opened with full occupancy and only six units have changed hands since, five as a result of franchise issues. When units do become vacant the policy has been to improve the offer by bringing in stronger brands.
Despite the size and complexity of the centre, Don spends approximately 50 per cent of his working week talking to store and area managers in order to keep abreast of trends in stores and in each of the retail categories. He uses this information to help focus the centre's marketing spend most effectively.
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