Geraldine Swarbrigg has Retail in her DNA.  She grew up in Arvagh, Co. Cavan, where her grandfather and her parents ran the family business Morris’s General Drapery. During her time at college Geraldine spent the summer holidays working in Harrods, London. She opened her first boutique in Mullingar in 1980 before discovering Danish fashion brand Vero Moda. Geraldine convinced the Danes to enter the Irish market and over the next decade she opened 25 Vero Moda stores across Ireland followed by Jack & Jones Menswear, Exit Kids  and Aldo Shoes.  

 

Geraldine’s skill at finding new blockbuster retail brands continued as she diversified into beauty in 2009 by taking on the franchise for international cosmetics company INGLOT.  There are currently 16 Inglot stores nationwide and a busy online sales portal at inglot.ie.  Geraldine is joined in Inglot’s management by her daughter Jane and her son Peter. Due to Inglot’s incredible success in Ireland, the Swarbrigg family were offered the franchise for the UK. They did not hesitate and in the past year they have opened stores in London, Glasgow, Newcastle & Gateshead with plans to expand into all major UK cities and upgrade the Online store www.inglot.co.uk.  

 

With over 20 standalone retail stores, 2 online stores, head office and distribution centre located in Mullingar, Inglot Ireland & UK now employs over 300 people.  Geraldine was honoured with a  Lifetime Achievement Award at the  2017 Image Businesswoman of the Year Awards.