Doug Ireland
About Doug Ireland
Doug Ireland serves as the Merchandising Manager for Tools & Equipment at Advance Auto Parts, where he has worked since 2009. He has significantly contributed to sales growth through strategic negotiations and marketing initiatives.
Work at Advance Auto Parts
Doug Ireland has served as the Merchandising Manager for Tools & Equipment at Advance Auto Parts since 2009. Based in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area, he has contributed to the company for 15 years. His role involves overseeing merchandising strategies and initiatives within the tools and equipment category, focusing on optimizing sales and enhancing product visibility.
Education and Expertise
Doug Ireland studied at Ball State University from 1981 to 1983, where he earned a degree in Business Management. His educational background provides a foundation for his expertise in merchandising and product marketing, which he has applied throughout his career in the automotive parts industry.
Background
Before joining Advance Auto Parts, Doug Ireland worked at General Parts, Inc. as a Product Marketing Manager from 2001 to 2009. During his eight years there, he focused on product marketing strategies and collaborated with suppliers to enhance retail displays and promotional efforts. His experience in this role has contributed to his current success in merchandising.
Achievements
Doug Ireland has played a significant role in various initiatives that have positively impacted sales and inventory management. He negotiated a new strut mount program that resulted in a $2 million increase in sales. Additionally, he implemented a strategic marketing plan for the tools and equipment category, which further boosted sales. His efforts in developing competitive pricing strategies using the CARQUEST system have also enhanced returns.
Inventory Management Success
During his tenure at General Parts, Inc., Doug Ireland successfully negotiated a supplier program that led to a $6.75 million reduction in inventory and a $4 million inventory credit. He also led a packaging redesign initiative aimed at creating uniformity across retail and commercial products, demonstrating his ability to manage inventory effectively and streamline operations.