// M&S hires Topshop fashion director Maddy Evans
// Evans will join office in November
// Her appointment follows the news of M&S’s clothing managing director Jill McDonald resigning
Marks & Spencer has poached Topshop fashion director Maddy Evans to help bolster its clothing sales.
Evans will join office in November and will be responsible for helping the retailer appeal to ounger families and create more “million pound” product lines, The Mail on Sunday reports.
She served as head of buying at Arcadia-owned Topshop between 2009 and 2012, before being promoted to buying director.
Evans became Topshop’s fashion director in May 2015.
The news of her appointment follows the departure of M&S’s clothing and home managing director Jill McDonald, who left after less than two years at the business.
M&S chief executive Steve Rowe assumed McDonald’s responsibilities and admitted that the retailer suffered from a “troubled year” in fashion and general merchandise at M&S’s AGM last Tuesday.
Rowe said M&S had “the worst availability in casual clothes”.
Evans will not replace McDonald, but will work closely with M&S women and childrenswear boss Jill Stanton.
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9 Comments. Leave new
They have just said it all, they won’t attract the younger age group because they will not pay m&s prices. M&S should concentrate on their core customers who are generally in the 50+age group. They need to stock flattering styles and not be so influenced by high fashion designers as most of these styles are not practical for the everyday person.
Young people don’t see M and S as their store. It’s where their Mums and Grans shop. It’s just not cool. The whole image will have to change to attract the young.
When will M&S realise that the under 30s do not buy clothes at M&S. They would do a great deal better if they concentrated on what they used to do so well, superbly tailored dresses and separates. Jeans are jeans, there is not much you can do to change them. I want to look elegant not like mutton dressed as lam.
Yes I know they have Holly designing but she is in her 30s. When are you going to consult the older generation who rarely buy your clothes now, ask us why that is.
Is this not the problem? Too may chiefs…..
M&S need to work on WORK WEAR. Things women can mix and match for work (skirt, trousers, jacket, etc) .Who needs a £300 suede skirt. It’s like kissing your sister – yes, it’s great, feels good, loos amazing, but would you try it more than once? NO
I don’t believe any fashion director – no matter where they worked – will draw the younger generation into M&S – it’s just not what they’re about! However, I strongly believe there is huge opportunity to make they’re existing lines more flattering, trendy and appealing! Yes they’re newly extended jeans line is a step in the right direction but for the older generation they need to go back in time and look at what worked so well previously. Stop trying to attract a new generation but get working for the generations M&S always appeal to! God id love her job……
She obviously didn’t do a great job at saving Topshop considering where they are at. Good luck to M&S!!
The price puts young People off and shopping at Primark is so much fun .
They need a range of very cheap good quality clothing in a BASICS RANGE .Same as the Supermarkets do with food .
We need good quality fashion in flattering fit at affordable prices. I find it hard to find something ‘different’ on the high Street and buy more whilst on holiday than at home.