Popular now
Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Debenhams Group returns to growth amid PLT recovery

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Currys appoints Fredrik Tønnesen as Group CEO

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

Inditex sales rise 5.8% after strong start to summer trading

PrettyLittleThing founder posts interest in Topshop deal

PrettyLittleThing founder posts interest in Topshop deal

On this episode of Talking Shop I’m joined by Alain Bejjani—former Group CEO of Middle East retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, and author of the definitive new book, NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities. Drawing on his childhood in war-torn Beirut, and his experience steering a $9.5bn dollar retail and lifestyle empire through a global pandemic, Alain brings an unmatched perspective on leadership under pressure. Today, we break down his crisis survival playbook for retailers operating in distress. We discuss why resilience must always outpace efficiency, the four assets a brand must protect at all costs, and how to turn macro-turmoil into a long-term direction that scales.

Register to get free articles

No spam Unsubscribe anytime

Want unlimited access? View Plans

Already have an account? Sign in

PrettyLittleThing founder Umar Kamani has expressed his interest in buying TopShop from Asos. 

Commenting on X (FKA Twitter) on a report regarding the possible sale from Asos, Kamani wrote: “I would buy this and bring it back like the good old days.. rockin and rollin.”

Kamani is a member of the founding family of the Bohoo Group, which now owns Nasty Gal, Coast, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams. He founded PrettyLittleThing in 2012 and was CEO of the brand until April when he decided to step down.

The news comes as reports emerged last week that Asos was in talks with ABG, Ted Baker and Frasers Group about the possible sale of TopShop.

Asos CEO Jose Antonio Ramos Calamonte, who took over as chief executive of Asos last year, is examining a potential disposal as one of the options. Last October, Calamonte unveiled a 12-month turnaround plan to sharpen the business’ operating performance and reduce costs.  

Founded in the 1960s, TopShop was once one of the top retailers on the high street boasting collaborations with designers and celebrities. The fashion brand collapsed when Arcadia Group went into administration in 2020 following the pandemic. Asos subsequently bought it in February 2021 for £265m, as well as Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT.

Previous Post
October washout sees footfall drop 5.7% in October

October washout sees footfall drop 5.7% in October

Next Post
Currys agrees to sell Greek and Cypriot business

Currys agrees to sell Greek and Cypriot business