Arcadia Group has announced plans to possibly make hundreds of head office jobs redundant in order to streamline and protect the longterm future of the business.
According to Drapers, a consultation period will take place for 300 roles – some of which are currently vacant and will now not be refilled.
The jobs that end up in the firing line will make up about two per cent of Arcadia Group’s head office head count.
The company is run by Sir Philip Green and owns high street retailers Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Outfit and Burton.
“The fashion retail landscape is continuously changing. In order to prepare for the future we have completed a thorough external business review over the last several months,” an Arcadia spokesperson said.
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“As a result we are proposing, subject to consultation, to make a number of changes to roles across the group.
“These changes, which represent less than two per cent of total headcount, will streamline business support services, reduce duplication and increase efficiency.
“We regret that we have to make these changes and we fully appreciate that this will be a difficult time for the colleagues directly affected. We remain firmly committed to supporting them through the process.”
The news comes a week after rival retailer New Look made 400 store management roles redundant.
In addition, the Arcadia has grappled with an exodus and reshuffle of senior figures throughout the year.
Last month, property director Chris Harris exited Arcadia to take up similar role a John Lewis.
In March, Mary Homer grabbed headlines when she left her role as Topshop managing director after 11 years to join The White Company as chief executive.
As a result, Paul Price was poached from Burberry to become the chief executive of Topshop and Topman, while David Hagglund was hired to take on the newly-created combined creative director role for Topshop and Topman.
Other notable departures include Topshop/Topman retail director Craig McGregor, Topshop/Topman global commercial director Matt Brewster, Burton managing director Wesley Taylor and Miss Selfridge creative director Yasmin Yusuf.
Outfit has also recently appointed Mothercare’s James Graham as its new managing director.
