Women’s fashion retailer Wallis has brought in a new buying director to head up the team and reinvigorate the brand.

Julia Darlington will begin the role at the Arcadia-owned chain in January and will report directly to Wallis brand director Anne Secunda.

Arcadia boss Sir Philip Green said in the October results that its mainstream brands, including Wallis, have been less successful than its young fashion brands Topman, Topshop and Miss Selfridge – which all revealed record results. He vowed to examine all aspects of his business to lift performance during the downturn.

“This market is about being world class at back and front of house. Every business needs newness and fresh product,” he said.

Darlington joins Wallis from Tie Rack, where she worked for the past year as brand director. During that time she helped the accessories retailer with its rebranding to Tie Rack London.

She previously worked at Monsoon’s Accessorize chain. She was placed in the role by Success Appointments.

Wallis has about 300 stores in the UK, 60 in the Republic of Ireland and 65 overseas.

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