MBS News
Friday
August 13, 2010
Industry headlines from Moira Benigson Executive Search
Retail
Mark Elliot’s New Owner Reveals Plans For Rapid Store Expansion
The new owner of handmade furniture chain Mark Elliot is preparing to press ahead with ambitious expansion plans, which could result in the number of stores doubling within months.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
M&S Extends Payment Terms
Marks & Spencer is to launch an invoice discounting scheme for suppliers after implementing longer payment terms. The scheme is being launched with high street banks HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Consumer Goods
P&G's Sweet Eco-Packaging Plan
Procter & Gamble is to launch a worldwide trial of a renewable, substainable and recyclable plastic, made from Brazilian sugarcane, to package its top beauty brands starting next year.
Kerry Group Bids For Newmarket Co-Operative Creameries
Kerry Group, the Irish food manufacturer, has confirmed its offer to purchase Newmarket Co-operative Creameries for €33m, including debt.
Read more on www.just-food.com »
Digital And Online
Yahoo! And Expedia Launch Travel Partnership
Yahoo! has teamed up with Expedia to provide a travel booking service, Yahoo! Travel, on the search engine's European sites.
Read more on www.marketingmagazine.co.uk »
Brands4Friends Ups Stake In Secretsales
Private sales site Secretsales.com has received a second round of investment from German private sales retailer Brands4 Friends, which has taken a majority stake in the business.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Fashion, Lifestyle And Luxury
Womenswear Plus-Sized Market To Reach £3.8bn This Year
Sales of plus-sized womenswear have soared 45% over the past five years with the market predicted to reach £3.8bn this year.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Evans Targets Plus-Size Teens
Arcadia-owned Evans is to launch a young fashion brand online under a new name in the latest attempt by a big retailer to capitalise on the growing waistlines of the UK’s teens.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Michael Kors Plots Seven UK Openings
US luxury womenswear and accessories business Michael Kors is embarking on a Europe-wide retail roll-out in a bid to increase sales and raise brand awareness. The company aims to open seven UK standalone stores in the next three years as part of wider plans to reach 25 stores across Europe.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Travel And Leisure
Sun4U Collapses Leave British Holidaymakers Stranded Abroad
1,200 British holidaymakers have been stranded abroad due to the collapse of Birmingham-based tour operator Sun4U.
Read more on www.breakingtravelnews.com »
On The Move
Sir Philip Green Appointed Government Efficiency Czar
Sir Philip Green has been appointed to lead an efficiency review of government spending. His remit is to scrutinise government spending since 2007 and identify inefficiencies and potential savings.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Multiyork Appoints Indira Thambiah As Chairman
Privately owned furniture group Multiyork has appointed former Argos multichannel chief Indira Thambiah as its new executive chairman.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Rigby & Peller Rejigs Buying Team
Lingerie retailer Rigby & Peller has made changes to its buying team - Nicky Clayton, who was previously head of buying has been promoted to the newly created role of creative director. Former swimwear buyer Mary McLeod has taken over Clayton’s role of head of buying and also joined the management board.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Lawlor And Porter In Shock Crombie Exit
June Lawlor and Colin Porter, joint managing directors of Crombie, have left the menswear company after less than a year in their roles. It is unclear whether they have roles to go to.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Perry Ellis Manager Recruited By Deckers
David Ward, former managing director of distributor Perry Ellis Europe, is to head UK distribution of sheepskin boot brand Ugg Australia as general manager for parent company Deckers.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Lejaby Hires UK Boss To Lead Turnaround
French lingerie brand house Lejaby Group has appointed Kathleen Morgan to the newly created role of UK country manager.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Bhs Retail Director Joins Punch Pub Company
Punch Pub Company has appointed Darren Topp, retail director at Bhs, as national operations director. Prior to joining Bhs, he worked for M&S for 20 years.
Read more on www.morningadvertiser.co.uk »
The Weatherman Says...
Big rain on the way in the next day or so. Summer is wobbling, but we have to admit it's been very good so far by British standards. In an effort to brighten up the world a little, today I am wearing pink socks. If you think about it...pink really is a colour with attitude. Girls....the source of all life in the universe, bow down to colour pink. It makes them wobbly at the knees and if they could, many girls would wave a magic wand and turn the entire world pink. Manly men like pink because it means they can show their softer, more eccentric side, whilst still being hard enough to duff up any starters.