Paul Brennan’s career has moved from luxury fashion to furniture, a change he sees as finding the right challenge and team rather than abandoning one field for another.
From trolleys to leadership
Brennan began as a Saturday trolley worker at Marks & Spencer in Merry Hill. The HR manager who hired him said the role could become a career, not just a temporary job. That idea stayed with him.
He studied Retail Management at university, interested in the reasoning behind buying decisions and sales. After graduating, he joined Debenhams as a trainee assistant manager. Since then, he has held roles in merchandising, operations, and leadership at brands like Marc Jacobs and Browns.
“I’ve always liked diving into a role, learning everything possible, and then figuring out how to contribute more,” he said. “A major part of that involves working with people, bringing teams together and helping them do their best work.”
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Why furniture, why Sofa Club
His move to Sofa Club, where he serves as managing director, was as much about the people as the product. “When I met Tom and the rest of the group, there was genuine excitement,” he said. “I’ve only ever worked somewhere where I believe in the mission and the leadership.”
He spotted a chance to apply a fashion-driven perspective to the home sector. The switch felt smooth, though he acknowledges there are new terms and logistics to master. “At its heart, it’s still about creating something customers love and presenting it the right way,” he said.
His experience in merchandising and operations provides a broad outlook. “You can’t just focus on where you want to go; you also need to consider how to get there and make it financially viable,” he said. That mix of supporting creativity while keeping an eye on the numbers has shaped his approach to leading.
A calmer, more measured approach
Brennan says his leadership style has grown more deliberate over time. “Experience helps—you learn that not every situation demands an instant response,” he said. He still reads widely and stays interested in new ideas, but now prioritizes how he uses his time and energy.
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His advice to his younger self would be to relax and avoid expecting to have everything planned immediately. He also wishes he had been less hard on himself. “I’ve always been ambitious, but that can lead to being overly self-critical. Over time, I’ve learned it’s just as important to enjoy the work, stay interested, and take care of the people around you.”
Expansion
Sofa Club launched a new concept store at the Metrocentre in Newcastle during Easter. The space has a distinct design but maintains the brand’s easygoing, inviting atmosphere. Cardiff, Edinburgh, and another site will open later this year.
Building recognition remains a hurdle. “We aren’t as familiar to customers as some of the larger competitors, so that’s a key focus for us this year,” Brennan said.
For now, the transition from fashion to furniture doesn’t feel like a drastic change. Instead, it seems like a natural progression—an opportunity to create something fresh with a group he trusts.
