Off-price furniture retailer HomeSense, the sister chain to TK Maxx, has poached fashion chain M&Co’s head of buying Louise Koser as its managing director.

Home Sense

HomeSense said Koser’s appointment to the newly created position will bolster the retailer’s management team as it continues to expand across the country.

Koser was a board director at M&Co with responsibilities for buying and marketing.

Before this she worked at Etam and Long Tall Sally in similar roles.

A spokeswoman for HomeSense parent TJX Europe said: “We are delighted as Louise brings great understanding of the retail market combined with a passion for growth and opportunity.”

The appointment forms part of a wider strategy from TJX Europe to strengthen its management teams as it forges ahead with expansion.

In February Doug Mizzi was appointed managing director for TK Maxx UK and Ireland, replacing Susanne Given. Mizzi has been with TJX Companies for 22 years, latterly as chief operating officer of TJX Companies’ Canadian business. Mizzi reports into TJX Europe group president and senior executive vice-president Paul Sweetenham.

HomeSense has recently launched a transactional website and also opened a new-model, larger-format store in Merry Hill.

The 27,000 sq ft shop is the retailer’s biggest so far and features a wider selection of products.

The retailer opens a dual fascia store with TK Maxx this autumn, in Newcastle’s MetroCentre shopping scheme. It will be TJX Europe’s first twin fascia offer.