Furniture and homewares specialist Habitat is back in fashion, following a return to profitability at the beleaguered UK division. However, UK retail chief Richard Millar is leaving.
The improved performance will bolster confidence at Habitat in an increasingly competitive market. Marks & Spencer will enter the fray with its first Lifestore next year, created by former Habitat man Vittorio Radice.
Millar - also head of marketing - said: 'I have enjoyed my time at Habitat and the decision was not easy. However, I have accomplished my goals and leave the UK business in a solid financial position.'
A Habitat spokeswoman said: 'Millar leaves having successfully re-established the profitability of the UK business and after seven years leading the company towards a common European marketing and promotional strategy.'
She would not confirm profit details, but a source close to the business claimed Habitat UK had generated a profit of£5.6 million to£6.3 million in the financial year just ended. In the year to March 2002, it made a net loss of£8.4 million.
Millar will remain in his post until the end of December to ensure that a smooth transition of office takes place.
The British homewares market - worth an estimated£20 billion - is becoming increasingly congested.
Habitat, founded by Sir Terrance Conran, is controlled by Ikea's Kamprad family vehicle Ikano, has 39 British shops.
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