Appointments at Beales

Department store group Beales has overhauled its buying team with the appointment of three directors to help widen its shopper base. The move follows the purchase of three Bentalls stores last year. The directors will be responsible for bringing a global focus and greater mix of brands and products to Beales 12 stores. Judy Cimdins has been poached from House of Fraser to become buying director for fashion, fashion accessories and lingerie. Howard Bennett has been promoted from menswear buying controller to buying director for menswear, cosmetics, shoes, luggage and toys, and Nigel Coomber joins as buying director for homewares and furniture from the Hoopers store group.