Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.
Shop Direct finance boss to depart
Shop Direct group finance director Derek Harding is to leave the etailer at the end of February.
Harding, who joined the Shop Direct executive board in July 2017, was also interim chief executive for four months until the arrival of Henry Birch in May.
Shop Direct former group financial controller, Dominic Appleton, who has worked alongside Harding since the beginning of 2018, has become interim group finance director.
Birch said: “During his time with Shop Direct, Derek has driven robust financial controls, built a strong finance team and steered us through the development of our new strategy. He has achieved a huge amount during his time here and we’ll miss him.”
House of Fraser Hull store to stay open
House of Fraser’s Hull branch is to remain open, preserving more than 100 jobs, ITV has reported.
The shop had been scheduled to shut close on December 29.
Mike Ashley, who bought House of Fraser out of administration in August, said: “It is great that the Hull store is getting a second chance and saving over 100 jobs. This is a good example of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.”
Hull City Council deputy leader Daren Hale said: “This is fantastic news for the city and the high street.
“Both House of Fraser and the landlord have always shown a desire for the iconic store to remain at its location in Paragon Street.
“Hull City Council has supported both parties and is delighted that they have come to an agreement that means House of Fraser will continue to have a presence in Hull.”
