Retail news round-up on December 1, 2015: Nicholas Marshall considers bid for Homebase and Missguided faces online flak over 'slut' crop jumper.

Ex-Garden Centre boss interested in Homebase

Former Garden Centre Group chief executive Nicholas Marshall is exploring a bid for Home Retail’s home improvement business.

Marshall told the Financial Times that he had been eyeing Homebase for the past two years.

He said he was in talks with private equity firms; however, not yet formally approached Home Retail.

Marshall is keen to transform Homebase from a DIY centre into a softer, more family friendly retailer, with more extensive garden centre outlets, pet products and concessions.

Missguided under social media backlash for selling ‘slut’ crop top

Etailer Missguided has invited the wrath of social media for selling £12 cropped jumper emblazoned with the word 'slut'.

The fashion company received heavy criticisms on Twitter for sending out wrong message to young shoppers, mainly teenagers.

The ‘cold shoulder’ jumper went on sale for Halloween for £15 and is still available at a reduced price of £12.