Today’s news in brief-4/9/24
John Lewis Partnership has submitted an £80m proposal to transform a disused warehouse in Reading into 215 energy-efficient rental homes. The planning application, now with Reading Borough Council, envisions a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units featuring amenities for fitness, home-working, and socialising, alongside community spaces and public green areas. The car-free development, which prioritises renewable energy and sustainable materials, aims to alleviate pressure on Reading’s housing market. Construction could begin in early 2026, with residents moving in by 2028.
The Very Group has appointed Nick Beighton and Paul O’Donnell as non-executive directors, following the retirement of Mark McMenemy, who had rejoined the board in 2019 after a stint as the group’s finance director. Beighton, the former CEO of ASOS, and O’Donnell, a seasoned M&A advisor, represent global investment firms Carlyle and IMI, respectively. Their appointments follow a February announcement of a partnership with these firms, which included a £125m funding package for The Very Group. The new directors are expected to bring significant expertise and networks to support the company’s growth, while McMenemy, credited with shaping the company’s financial strategy and governance, departs with praise for his contributions.
Uniqlo has appointed British designer Clare Waight Keller as its new creative director, where she will oversee the main line collections for men and women starting from Fall/Winter 2024. Waight Keller, who has previously led design at luxury brands Chloé and Givenchy, had already collaborated with Uniqlo on the Uniqlo: C collection.
Burberry has bolstered its leadership team with the appointments of Jonathan Kiman as Chief Marketing Officer and Laura Dubin-Wander as President of Americas. Kiman, previously with Gucci, will lead Burberry’s global marketing efforts from 9 September and will report directly to CEO Joshua Schulman. Dubin-Wander, joining from OTB North America, will oversee Burberry’s operations across the Americas.
Mango has opened a new store in Lakeside Shopping Centre as part of its UK expansion and brand consolidation strategy, which includes more than 20 new store openings planned for 2024. The 440 square metre store features Mango’s ‘New Med’ design concept, inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics and focusing on sustainability. The store’s design integrates warm tones and natural materials like wood, marble, and ceramics to create a modern and inviting shopping environment. The addition of Mango is expected to strengthen Lakeside’s retail offerings, with the centre director expressing confidence in its appeal to customers.
