Bathstore chief executive Gary Favell steps down

Favell will be succeeded by Wolseley UK & ROI branch director Ian Herrett, who has previously held roles at B&Q and M&S.

Wolseley, a plumbing supplies firm, owned Bathstore for nine years until it was bought by turnaround specialist Endless in 2012 for £15m. 

Endless’ ownership of Bathstore culminated in a management buyout headed up by Favell in 2014. 

According to LinkedIn, Favell has lauched a consulting firm, called Favell Consulting. 

Bathstore chairman Geoff Battersby said: “Over the past six years, Gary has overseen Bathstore’s development into the leading UK independent bathroom specialist.”

Tough trading 

Favell’s exit comes at a challenging time in the home and DIY market, as retailers in the sector are rocked by volatile consumer confidence, rising costs and a stagnating housing market.

Bathstore, which has 170 UK stores, has not yet filed accounts for the 2016/2017 full-year.

According to Companies House, the results are nearly a month overdue.

The business returned to profit in 2015, after three years of pre-tax losses. But, speaking to Retail Week previously, Favell warned that trade had taken a turn for the worse since the Brexit vote.

Commenting on Herrett’s appointment, Battersby said: “His extensive experience across bathroom retail means he’s the right person to drive the business forward at this pivotal time.”

Herrett said: “I can’t wait to hear people’s views, thoughts and ideas on what help is needed to deliver better service, better engagement and better results.”

Last year, Bathstore lauched a new fascia – Haus Store – which sells kitchens and bedroom furniture, as well as its signature bathroom suites.