Debenhams is reportedly planning to end partnerships with fashion designers who have been selling their ranges at the department store chain for decades.
It is understood that new chief executive Sergio Bucher wants to cut back on some of these designers as part of an attempt to attract new designers and to freshen its image.
It is believed that Betty Jackson, the 67-year-old London designer who launched Marks & Spencer‘s Autograph suits collection in 2000, has fallen victim to this plan – which forms part of Bucher‘s turnaround strategy that will be revealed in April.#
READ MORE: Debenhams reports slow growth in yearly results
Meanwhile, Jeff Banks, the 73-year-old Warehouse co-founder, will have his ranges shrunk to formal suits and shirts.
There is no word as yet regarding other veteran designers, such as 63-year-old semi-retired John Rocha, Jasper Conran, 57, and Ben de Lisi, 61.
It is also not yet known which new designers Bucher plans to use as he refreshes Debenhams‘ fashion ranges.
Debenhams has not yet provided a comment.
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