Marks & Spencer fills its Childrenswear gap
Anthony Thompson to revitalise kids clothing offer
August 4 2003
Marks & Spencer has tasked Anthony Thompson from rival clothing retailer Gap with boosting its childrenswear offer.
M&S has been without a head of childrenswear since Michelle Jobling parted company with the high street retailer last October. Its childrenswear offer has lagged behind growth in other areas over the past year. Announcing its first quarter trading last month, M&S said childrenswear continues to underperform, but there had been some signs of progress.
Thompson is currently is senior vice president, Europe, for Gap, responsible for 295 stores in the UK, France and Germany. He joined the US retailer in 200, and has seen sales and market share in Gap, Gap Kids and Baby Gap increase in Europe during his tenure.
He began his retail career with M&S in 1984, becoming a senior manager in store planning, and has also worked as a retail consultant at Arthur Andersen, and in senior roles at books retailer Blackwell.
At M&S, he will report directly to David Norgrove, executive director for clothing and international, and will sit on the group operating committee.
Thompson said: “I am very excited to be joining Marks & Spencer. Childrenswear has a huge amount of potential and I look forward to working with a great team of people to meet the challenge of growing the business.”
Norgrove said: “I am delighted to welcome Anthony to our team. He brings good general management experience, with strong strategic planning skills and a track record of building businesses. He has a thorough knowledge of the childrenswear market and a wealth of experience in retailing.
“The recovery of our childrenswear business is an important part of our strategy and Anthony’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable.”
