from the editor
is too early?’ Whilst Selfridges is targeting a specific consumer, it seems for some retailers that the desire to cash in on early sales can override the consideration for consumer desire and public response. With consumer spending predicted to be volatile this season, the risk of a consumer backlash could be more damaging than ever. Furthermore, if consumers remain uninterested in festive ranges until later in the year, it could mean that retailers are left with shelves of seasonal stock taking up valuable floorspace. When will you be hanging your baubles? Email me at
naomi.davis@onecoms.co.uk
A month in the life
of...the New West End Company
diary dates
Aug-Sep 2010 July 5
The New West End Company, an umbrella company that unites London’s West End retail scene, launches a new campaign called London Luxury. High-end retailers such as Burberry, Cartier and Louis Vuitton will team up with top hotels such as The Ritz and The Langham to improve the shopping experience for the 200 million annual visitors. Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas, chairman of New West End Company, said, "London's West End needs to be seen to be at the top of the global luxury league table. It is the sheer density of the luxury retail and accommodation within our newly established London Luxury Quarter, spanning over three miles, which ensures our proposition as a world leader for the luxury retail and hospitality sector is strong."
July 19
The company’s aims to ‘clean up’ Oxford Street threaten to move out street traders from the area. The plan has the support of Westminster City Council and could see small shops moved also. It has the intention of slowly increasing the average size of shops in the district, which is extremely popular with shoppers, and thus bring in bigger chains. Jace Tyrell, New West End Company’s director
The eight standalone stores will close and the brand will be sold only online and in Mothercare stores. Toy retailer Hawkin’s Bazaar
has hired a new boss as part of its plans to expand. Lyle Finlay, who held the role of senior vice-president of operations and loss prevention at TK Maxx, joined Hawkin’s Bazaar as chief executive in July. He replaces Toby Templer, who
will take the role of president, having run the business for 22 years. Templer, who owns 40 per cent of the company, has plans to open 20 permanent shops a year. Finlay has previously worked as managing director of Claire’s Accessories, as well as roles at Nike and Natuzzi. Vice-chairman of West Ham United football club and star of Apprentice as Lord Sugar’s assistant, Karren Brady is set
of communications commented: “It is our aim to bring Oxford Street and the rest of the area up to the standards of the Champs-Élysées or Milan. At the moment, Oxford Street is not fit for purpose – the street sellers do not look right in the area, and that's the opinion of the shoppers and businesses that use it. Don't forget, we've got 15,000 media arriving in 2012 to cover the Olympics and we need it to look its best.”
July 26
The New West End Company celebrates its 10th birthday at the House of Commons and unveils impressive plans for the next 10 years. The 2020 Vision comprises of six key priorities for the West End, the main of which is to increase the annual shopper spend by 66 per cent, to reach £10 billion by 2020 and attract an additional 50 million visitors annually. The six key ideas include maximising the area’s potential in the run up and during the 2012 Olympics, securing ‘people not traffic’ through the utilisation of Crossrail and by introducing ‘shopping hours’ with less traffic, creating public spaces to encourage shoppers to spend longer in the area, and to create ‘a global retail hub’ with an additional 21 flagship stores by 2012.
to join the board of Arcadia in September. She will become a non-executive director at the group and will aid chief executive Ian Grabiner in developing the strategy of the group. Her appointment marks the first female board director at the retail giant.
1 – 3 AUGUST Pure
www.purelondon.com LONDON, OLYMPIA Pure offers everything from directional and young fashion to contemporary womenswear as well as accessories and footwear.
8 – 10 AUGUST Moda
www.moda-uk.co.uk BIRMINGHAM, NEC Moda is home to womenswear, menswear, lingerie, swimwear, footwear and accessories.
27 – 31 AUGUST Tendence
www.tendence.messefrank
furt.com GERMANY, FRANKFURT A rainbow of design styles is available for all aspects of gift and housewares, from the ultra-modern and functional to the traditional and decorative.
12 – 14 SEPTEMBER Top Drawer
www.topdrawer.co.uk LONDON, EARLS COURT Top Drawer is filled with quirky, cute and innovative brands showcasing products with a really boutique feel.
20 – 22 SEPTEMBER Glee
www.gleebirmingham.com BIRMINGHAM, NEC A key event for those that stock outdoor living lines, Glee offers a wide selection of brands in a central location.
To publicise your event, please send details via email to
naomi.davis@onecoms.co.uk.
Department Store Buyer 5
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