The value department store chain formerly known as The Original Factory Shop has drafted in Emma Fox as its new chief executive.

Fox, who will join the retailer next month, is a well-respected figure in the sector with 14 years’ experience across Asda and Walmart.

More recently she spent more than three years as commercial director at Halfords where she was instrumental in building sales momentum at the business.

This appointment will provide a new challenge for Fox, both as her first chief executive role and stint at a department store business at the value end of the sector.

However, Fox’s reputation as an ambitious and highly regarded retail operator precedes her.

And this isn’t the first time Tofs has offered a woman in retail her first top job, as the department store business’ former boss is N Brown chief executive Angela Spindler.

Also today, Boden unveiled plans to launch its first standalone bricks-and-mortar store and Amazon opened its new London HQ and looked to double the size of its tech team in the capital.

Quote of the day

“London is open to talent, innovation and entrepreneurship and the natural place for major global companies to call home – and it’s great news that Amazon has put its confidence in our unique blend of talent, creativity and access to finance.”

– Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Today in numbers

34.5%
The rise in John Lewis’ womenswear sales last week

£896m
The amount that fashion brand Michael Kors is paying to snap up Jimmy Choo

Wednesday’s agenda

Look out for Joules’ preliminary results and Retail Week’s Rich List

Grace Bowden, reporter