After almost 46 years in the Furniture trade, Alistair Philp, Sales Director at independent furniture retailer Gillies, is retiring from day-to-day involvement in the business on 31 March 2026.
Known to be a fierce negotiator, he is renowned for not shaking a supplier’s hand until “the price was right”. Alistair joined the company when Gillies had only one branch, in Broughty Ferry.
Later, during his tenure, Gillies opened branches in Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness and also purchased Grampian Furnishers in Elgin.
Alistair started in the business licking stamps as a school kid, and over the years has carried out almost every job including estimating, auctioneering, and measuring, before finding his forte negotiating with suppliers.
He remains an active member of the Board of Directors of Gillies and will continue to attend major trade shows for the foreseeable future.
Alistair stated that the business is in good hands with two of his fellow Directors, his sons David & Christopher and another Director, his nephew Ewan, holding the reigns, alongside Managing Director, Tom Rodgers.
Tom said that he wished to “express his thanks to Alistair for building not just a profitable business, but a legacy sturdy enough to last generations”.
Chairman, Euan Webster, also expressed his thanks to him, adding that under Alistair’s guidance the company has “grown its turnover, margins had increased and the business had performed well consistently”.
Alistair intends to spend his time planning many holidays to include cruises, and keeping active playing padel, tennis & golf.
