Majestic appoints former Sainsbury’s buyer

Spanish wine expert and former Sainsbury’s and Oddbins buyer, Julie Buckley, has joined the Majestic Wine buying team. As senior buyer, she will be responsible for some of UK retailer’s best selling categories; managing New Zealand, Spain and Burgundy.

Buckley, who has more than ten years’ wine buying experience for some of the UK’s biggest retailers, has been brought in to add her intuitive and structured approach to sourcing.

Majestic has highlighted a move towards own-label and parcel buying in recent years, two areas in which Julie has a proven track record. Richard Weaver, buying and merchandising director at Majestic, believes Buckley’s eight years at Oddbins and seven at Sainsbury’s made her the ideal candidate for the job. “There’s nothing Julie doesn’t know about Spanish wine, this will be her third senior position buying the category,” explains Weaver.

“That, coupled with her dynamic approach and industry expertise, made her the ideal candidate. I’m delighted to have her on board and can’t wait to see how she takes our range forward.”

Julie joined the team on August 6. Majestic Wine is also pleased to announce Joe Aylmer has been promoted to buyer from buying assistant. Joe will take responsibility for South America, the Rhône, Portugal, fortified wines and wine magnums. 

16 August 2017 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor in chief