Sandpiper expands into Isle of Man

Friday 28 August 2020

The Channel Islands' largest retailer has announced plans to launch two of its franchises in the Isle of Man.

Sandpiper says it will soon be bringing authorised Apple reseller iQ and Cardfactory to the Crown Dependency.

The company is now advertising on the Locate Isle of Man website for Management, Technicians and Sales and Support Assistants to work at the Apple goods store, which will be located in Douglas.

It's the second time the retailer has aimed to establish itself in the Isle of Man market.

In January 2017, it announced that it was buying 50,000sqft Tynwald Mils, the island's only department store.

However, the sale ultimately fell through.

Sandpiper said this was because it later emerged that the store's profit levels were below those it had expected. Tynwald Mills attempted to claim breach of contract, but lost its case in the Isle of Man's high court.

Speaking about the latest venture, CEO Mike Rutter told Isle of Man press that that, while Sandpiper's previous attempt to enter the market "did not work out", he was "glad to say this time it definitely looks like we are landing in the island and we are very pleased."