Retail news round-up on November 12, 2015: Liberal Democrats back longer Sunday trading, Bhs eyes more funding, and ex-Asda marketing boss joins Homebase

LibDem MPs agree to support plans to change Sunday trading laws

The Liberal Democrats have said they would back the Government’s Sunday trading relaxation plans, in what comes as an unexpected boost.

Eight LibDem MPs, led by leader Tim Farron, were expected to agree at a meeting to back the Prime Minister’s plans to allow local councils to let shops open for longer on Sundays.

The news means that the vote on whether to relax the rules could be very close.

Baroness Burt of Solihull, the party’s business spokesman, told The Telegraph: “The Liberal Democrats believe in supporting businesses and think the power to decide Sunday Trading rules should rest with local councils not Whitehall.”

Bhs eyes asset-based financing ahead of crucial Christmas season

Troubled BhS is in talks to raise new capital as it enters the crucial Christmas trading period.

The struggling department store chain is in the early stages of negotiating a deal to borrow millions of pounds against stock held at its stores across the UK, according to Sky News.

The retailer is thought to be in discussions with a company called Gordon Brothers and several other third parties about an agreement but finalising a deal could take some time, according to sources.

Asda launches ToYou revamped delivery service

Asda has launched a new scheme to enable shoppers to pick up orders from other retailers within its supermarkets.

The grocer’s ToYou service will enable customers to collect and return online orders of George clothing and non-Asda brands at any of the retailer’s 614 stores.

Online fashion retailer Missguided has signed up to the service and Asda is close to signing deals with other brands.

Homebase appoints new marketing director

Homebase has hired Chris McDonough as its new marketing director, effective December 1.

Reporting to managing director Echo Lu, McDonough will oversee the home improvement retailer’s marketing efforts. He replaces Jo Kenrick in this role, who is understood to be moving to pursue non-executive roles.

McDonough joins Homebase from Asda, where he was UK marketing director, but left the business amid a massive consolidation of the senior management team.

 

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