The M&S board has finally made some tough decisions with the coup that led to the appointment of Stuart Rose as chief executive.
However, while former chief Roger Holmes consoles himself with his£820,000 pay-off, Rose has decisions of his own to make. First comes a reaction to the proposal that Philip Green was expected to make to the M&S board as Retail Week went to press.
Rose said he intends to run the business, rather than sell it. He is meeting staff and intends to hit stores in the near future.
Rose will have to decide whether to abort or extend Vittorio Radice's Lifestore. He also inherits a contract with George Davies, who produces Per Una womenswear for M&S, the terms of which are shrouded in mystery but thought to be favourable to Davies.
Menswear is stable, but womenswear remains unfocused and, by Holmes' own admission, 'difficult to shop'.
Meanwhile, many commentators have said food still suffers from a lack of innovation. Childrenswear operates via The Zip Project in partnership with Desmonds in Ireland, which could now be in doubt.
An operating board reshuffle could also be on the cards.
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