Breakfast briefing: Sports Direct and Phase Eight

Sports Direct increases interest in Debenhams

Sports Direct has raised its bet on Debenhams again, taking interest in the department store to more than 17%, The Times reported.

The sportswear brand had earlier said that it just wants to be a “supportive stakeholder” in Debenhams.

Phase Eight appoints new online marketing boss

Phase Eight has appointed James Williams as director of marketing and online trading, Drapers reported.

Williams, former head of online trading and digital marketing at Jigsaw, is set to join Phase Eight next week.

He will replace Louise Salt, who left the company in March to set up her own ecommerce consultancy.

Williams' job role is to increase the company’s online business along with the digital growth and development of its brand Studio 8 and Damsel in a Dress.