London-based luxury-accessories etailer Boticca
has raised £1.5 million financing backed by France-based
ISAI. The fund, backed by 70 retail entrepreneurs including the
founders of Links of London and
Vente-Privee, will help Boticca to expand its
marketing efforts, enhance the customer experience and grow the
team.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has appointed
Mary Portas-also known as the Queen of Shops-to carry out a
review of Britain’s high streets. According to the Guardian, the retail adviser, journalist and
television presenter will be tasked to “address soaring
shop vacancy rates, prevent the proliferation of ‘clone towns’
dominated by familiar big names and boost the number of small and
independent retailers in town centres.”
Sainsbury’s has made two appointments to
strengthen its clothing and general merchandise departments.
James Brown, former trading director clothing, footwear, home and
furniture for Shop Direct, will join as business
unit director, clothing. Robbie Feather, the former managing
director of furniture retailer Feather & Black,
is joining Sainsbury’s as business unit director, general
merchandise from John Lewis, where he is
currently buying director electricals and home technology.
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