Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

Superdry poaches Wiggle chief financial officer

Superdry has recruited current chief financial officer of online sports and cycling retailer Wiggle Nick Gresham as its new interim finance boss.

Gresham, who has a long track record in finance roles, will start his new job and be appointed as a director of Superdry on June 3.

Pets At Home return to profit growth ‘faster than anticipated’

Pets At Home profits and sales increased “faster than anticipated” during the 52 weeks to March 28.

The pet retailers profit before tax jumped 6.1% to £89.7m.

Sales for the specialist retailer increased 6.9% to £961m driven by like for like growth of 5.7% during the period.

John Lewis Partnership sales decline

John Lewis Partnership’s total sales declined 0.9% to £201.42m in the week to May 18, compared to the same period the previous year.

Waitrose & Partners’ sales decreased 2.2% during the same period.

The grocer’s ambient and non-ambient food goods sales slumped 1.8% and 2% respectively.

Home and general merchandise sales went down 6.5% but were distorted “as a result of last year’s royal wedding”, the partnership said.

John Lewis & Partners’ sale increased 1.7% for the same period, driven by a 5.8% uptick in fashion sales.

The department store’s electricals and home technology and home sales fell 2.2% and 0.3% respectively.