Liberty to kick off turnaround with posh food range

Department store business Liberty will launch a luxury private-label food offer this month.

Chief executive Iain Renwick said a 'deli-style' offer of Christmas fare would go into the Regent Street store soon, followed by Liberty-branded leather goods and accessories.

Renwick is forging ahead with a turnaround plan, fuelled by new management blood and own-brand development.

Appointments include Susie Benedict and Jackie Thom, whose remits are home and gift development, and accessories development respectively.

Creative director Lucille Lewin has left and will not be replaced.

Holding company Retail Stores reduced operating losses from£1.9 million to£1.5 million on sales of£46.6 million.