Owner, Arcadia and Bhs
Whether it’s endorsing David Cameron, hanging out with Kate Moss or developing his fashion academy, Green is never far from the headlines. But it’s been a landmark year for the billionaire tycoon’s retail businesses, too, as he made the long-anticipated step of merging struggling Bhs into his Arcadia empire.
As part of the process, he has promoted his most trusted lieutenant Ian Grabiner (28) to chief executive of the enlarged group. But while Grabiner rules the operations side with a rod of iron, Green remains firmly in charge. Whether in the stores or in his newly refurbished office in the Bhs building in Marylebone Road, he retains the same hands-on focus that has always been the trademark of his success.
The performance of his businesses has been a curate’s egg. Topshop and Topman have continued to set the pace in young fashion, although rising youth unemployment is a growing concern. The new Topshop store in Knightsbridge, which opened last month, once again raised the bar in young fashion.
His more mainstream brands have had it less easy, but despite the sale of 10 Bhs stores to Primark, he remains committed to making the brand work. He has moved the more mature brands such as Evans and Wallis into Bhs in many towns, and embarked on a new look for Bhs, launched in Uxbridge this month.
A larger-than-life character, Green is well-known for his directness. He is also hugely loyal to those he is close to, and his generosity, particularly to charitable causes, is legendary. Anyone who saw his heartfelt tribute to his close friend Primark founder Arthur Ryan at this year’s Oracle Retail Week Awards will have seen a warmth and depth of emotion that Green rarely displays publicly.
An era in fashion retail is coming to an end. Last year saw Ryan retire from the business, and Green’s other great pal, Sir Stuart Rose (8), will retire by next March. Green is driven by his work. He is his own boss and he loves what he does. There’s little chance of him following his friends into the sunset for a long time yet.
No comments yet