30-31 LSB 2020 Retail Round up.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 07/07/2020 21:50 Page 30
RETAIL ROUND-UP
Inset: The Alice Archer collaboration includes fashion, accessories and homeware. Below left: John has joined the Boots baby team at a key time for the business.
Although many bricks and mortar stores have been closed for the past three months, with sales moving online, activity and initiatives which have an impact on the licensing sector have still been taking place. LSB rounds up a selection.
Street fighting John Carolan takes on new role at Boots After 12 years, John Carolan has left his role at Tu clothing at Sainsbury’s Argos for a new challenge. John – who was head of buying across menswear, womenswear and childrenswear at the grocer, dealing with a number of key licences during his tenure – has joined the team at Walgreens Boots Alliance as head of baby. Speaking about his time at Tu, John commented: “It’s been a brilliant 12 years in which I’ve learnt loads, worked alongside so many brilliant people, and been privileged to build and lead some outstanding teams. “Tu has been a truly great place to work, building a brand with some amazing, inspiring people, some of whom will be friends for life. I feel privileged to have worked for such a unique and iconic brand and wish everyone at Tu, Sainsbury’s, Argos and all the supply partners the very best for the future.” Speaking about his new role, John said: “I feel really privileged to be joining a business with such heritage and focus on the customer, which is particularly key at this time of economic and environmental change.”
Anthropologie teams with Alice Archer
High street retailer Anthropologie has collaborated with British fashion designer, Alice Archer on a new 20-piece collection. Including fashion, accessories and homeware, the collaboration has been inspired by a trip to Sissinghurst Castle and its white rose gardens and reflects Alice’s feminine and romantic style. The fashion line features classic cotton, silks, tulle, satins and Broderie Anglaise across the likes of dresses and tulle skirts. Meanwhile, accessories include green and pink leather mules, floral scarves, hairclips, headbands and floral scrunchies. Homeware includes a bedding set, floral dining chairs and cushions. Gill McCulloch, buying director for Anthropologie Europe, commented: “Alice Archer is celebrated for creativity and craftsmanship, a philosophy that resonates with Anthropologie’s own ethos. “Her creative use of colour, embroidery and print along with her elegant approach to design is a natural fit for Anthropologie and our customer.”
The Hut Group looking to float?
The Hut Group – which owns beauty brands such as ESPA, Illamasqua and Glossy Box – is reportedly eyeing up a £5 billion IPO. The Manchester-based company – which also owns Myprotein, plus fashion brands such as Coggles and AllSole – has been holding meetings with a series of high profile private investors, according to The Sunday Times, which it says is a prelude to a float. Over the past decade, founder Matthew Moulding has grown the group through a series of acquisitions and through white labelling its technology to other beauty brands, via its THG Ingenuity arm. Earlier in June, it reported that its sales had exceeded £1 billion in the year to Above: Founder Matthew Moulding has significantly grown The Hut Group over December 31, 2019. the past decade. It has recently signed deals with Elemis, PZ Cussons Beauty, Burt’s Bees, Nuxe, By Terry and Revolution Beauty to power their direct to consumer strategies. The £100m partnerships add to names including Nestlé and Procter & Gamble in the THG Ingenuity roster. In response to the latest rumours, the company stated: “Each year THG speaks to major global investors about future investment. This has always been done as a private company and this year is no different.”
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020