White Stuff seeks chief to tackle the 'next stage'

Outdoor clothing retailer White Stuff intends to appoint a chief operating officer within six months. Joint managing director Sean Thomas said the executive would be instrumental in taking the stores, mail order and e-tail business to the 'next stage' and more than doubling turnover.

Three to four stores are planned every year for the next five years.

Thomas said the continued growth of the company - which generated sales of£11 million last year - required a 'decent back-office structure'.

Thomas and fellow managing director George Treves will focus more on brand development. There are plans for more stores in northern Europe - there are three seasonal outlets in France at present - from next year.