Department store business Harvey Nichols is to axe roles at its head office as it seeks to position itself for success after a tough period.

Harvey Nichols intends to make about 60 redundancies, subject to consultation with affected staff, the Independent reported. The total equates to less than 5% of employees.

The changes come as Harvey Nichols adapts in the wake of challenges such as high inflation and the removal of tax-free shopping for tourists to the UK.

Harvey Nichols vice-chair Pearson Poon said: “We are taking action to simplify and strengthen our business by optimising our cost structure to operate more efficiently across our support team.

“Coming out of Covid has been very difficult for the wider retail industry in the UK, which faced increased inflation, cost pressures, and the loss of tax-free shopping.

“We are making difficult decisions to ensure we are well positioned for success in a continuously evolving retail environment.”

The last few years has been difficult for department stores ranging from John Lewis to Selfridges, and associated job losses.

It is expected however that accounts shortly to be filed by Harvey Nichols will show sales up and losses cut last year.

 

 

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