Retail news round-up on March 30, 2016: New chief marketing officer for Mamas & Papas and independent shop opening rate slows.

Mamas & Papas gets new marketing boss

Mamas & Papas has hired Richard Campbell as its chief marketing officer. He will report into co-chief executive Jonathon Fitzgerald. Campbell will work on the brand's advertising, ecommerce, store design and communications.

He earlier served as the customer director for Mecca’s retail and digital operations for Rank Group.

Independent shop opening rate at its slowest

Independents have opened the fewest stores in the UK's top 500 town centres, a study has revealed.

They now account for 65% of all retail and leisure units in the country and have fallen 1% from 2014, according to data released by The Local Data Company and British Independent Retailers Association.

Barbers, cafes, tobacconists/e-cigarettes, and hair and beauty salons sectors have been on the rise, while pubs, newsagents and Indian restaurants in decline.