In Review, July 2025: Headline highlights from Dior, Damson Madder, Mango and more...

Chloe Burney

31 July 2025

As July draws to a close, TheIndustry.fashion reflects on a turbulent month shaping the British retail and fashion landscape, from brand collapses to strategic shake‑ups.

High‑street retail encountered fresh uncertainty: beloved maternity label Seraphine entered administration on 7 July, meanwhile, Claire’s and River Island faced mounting financial pressure.

But, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Anticipation for Topshop’s long‑awaited return is building after it announced its return to the runway and the relaunch of Topshop.com. The British Fashion Council also stirred excitement after it lifted the veil on its new CEO Laura Weir's strategy with a new designer-focused provisional London Fashion Week schedule and the confirmation that designers will no longer pay to show this September.

As July comes to a close, TheIndustry.fashion reflects on another headline-grabbing month in British retail and beyond, from openings to big-name appointments.

New openings

NEXT opened new concept store at Lakeside with first FatFace concession

NEXT officially opened the doors to its brand-new flagship at Lakeside Shopping Centre, marking one of the largest and most ambitious stores in its retail portfolio. Spanning 83,000 sq ft, the new store offers an elevated shopping experience designed for the modern consumer.

M&S to invest £300m in new, upsized and refurbished stores

Marks & Spencer announced it is investing £300 million in new, upsized and "renewed" stores this financial year, with over 300 locations being considered for new stores across the UK, "from Elgin to Exeter".

The 16 new stores will include two full-line stores, two outlet stores and 12 food halls, while also upsizing nine stores and refurbishing a further 12.

Pandora Manchester

Pandora landed in Manchester with first UK airport store

Pandora launched its first UK-owned airport store at Manchester Airport, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion in travel retail. Located in Terminal 2, the new store is part of Manchester Airport’s £1.3 billion transformation programme - a long-term investment designed to deliver "world-class" facilities for passengers and colleagues alike.

Foot Locker opened a new retail concept and biggest UK store at Birmingham’s Bullring

Foot Locker unveiled its largest UK flagship store to date at the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, introducing its new ‘Re-imagined’ store concept with a “next level retail experience” for sneakerheads. Spanning 13,821 sq ft, the store features three new permanent areas to create an immersive sneaker experience.

Phoebe Philo is planting roots in London with its first flagship

Phoebe Philo is coming home, not just to London, but to the street where hushed luxury whispers louder than logos ever could. The British designer, beloved for her quietly commanding yet understated aesthetic, is reportedly set to open her first standalone store on Carlos Place in Mayfair’s Mount Street neighbourhood.

Noteworthy activations

Damson Madder launched at Liberty with pop-up event

Independent womenswear brand Damson Madder marked its arrival at Liberty with a summer-themed in-store activation that blended fashion with frozen treats. On Saturday 12 July, from 2pm-4pm, shoppers were invited to experience the Damson Madder Ice Pop Bar, located in The Summer Store on the 1st Floor of the London-based department store.

Dior launched ‘Lucky’ pop-up at Harrods

Dior launched a new pop-up boutique within Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge to showcase its ‘Lucky’ collection. The ‘house of cards’ floral-themed pop-up focuses on personalising bags and other luxury items with charms and motifs.

Several customisation workshops are available for bags, shoes and other accessories - adorned with lucky symbols such as stars, bees and shamrocks.

Nike revealed temporary Oxford Circus flagship as NikeTown undergoes revamp

As Nike's iconic NikeTown London flagship begins a multi-year transformation, the sportswear giant unveiled a new, limited-time retail concept: Nike Oxford Circus. The store is the first major move in a wider strategy to reimagine Nike’s physical retail presence across London through 2027.

Amiri transformed Selfridges Corner Shop into LA-inspired beach pop-up

Luxury Los Angeles label AMIRI took over The Corner Shop at Selfridges London, transforming the revolving retail space into a sun-soaked escape: the AMIRI Beach Club. Dreamt up by founder and Creative Director Mike Amiri, the immersive pop-up is an ode to West Coast cool - a love letter to sun, sand, sound and self-expression, in the heart of Oxford Street.

Big name appointments

Belgian designer Meryll Rogge was named Marni's new Creative Director

Only The Brave (OTB), parent company of Marni, has announced that Belgian designer Meryll Rogge is its new Creative Director. Rogge replaces Francesco Risso after almost ten years at Marni's helm.

Stefano Rosso, CEO at Marni, said: "She is an exceptional creative talent and an inspiring woman, whose vision and expertise will play a key role in shaping the future of this amazing brand."

Mango

Mango added former H&M Group CEO to Board of Directors

Mango strengthened its corporate governance structure by appointing Helena Helmersson as a new independent member of its Board of Directors. It further supports the company’s move towards a more structured and expert-led management approach, which it has been steadily developing in recent years.

Primark invested in digital growth, appointing Chief Customer and Digital Officer

Primark has appointed Matt Houston to the role of Chief Customer and Digital Officer, in a strategic move that unites its Customer and Digital teams under one umbrella. Houston, who most recently served as Group Strategy and Digital Director at the British retail giant, will now oversee the entire end-to-end customer brand experience.

FitFlop

FitFlop announced new Chief Product Officer as she prepares for SS27 debut collection

FitFlop announced the appointment of Louise Noble as its new Chief Product Officer, marking a "new era" for the footwear brand that brings together style and comfort. Noble offers more than 25 years of expertise collaborating with major consumer brands such as Nike and C&J Clarks, specialising in product development and merchandising.

wolford

Wolford appointed Deputy CEO as it completed €25m capital raise

Luxury lingerie and bodywear Wolford strengthened its leadership team and financial position as part of its ongoing transformation strategy, announcing the appointment of Marco Pozzo as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and the successful completion of a €25 million (£21.63 million) capital raise.

His appointment marks a step in the brand’s evolution as it pushes forward its transformation.

TFG London

TFG London appointed Julia Monro as Chief Brand Officer

TFG London, the owner of Hobbs, Whistles, Phase Eight and White Stuff, appointed Julia Monro in a newly created role of Chief Brand Officer, with immediate effect.

Monro, who has been Brand Director at White Stuff, which TFG acquired in October 2024, for five years, will now lead brand, marketing, and creative direction across the group’s brands.

JoJo Maman Bébé

JoJo Maman Bébé confirmed permanent CEO as it eyes further growth

Mother and baby brand JoJo Maman Bébé confirmed the permanent appointment of Mark Wright as CEO, a role he has held on an interim basis since October 2024.

Wright previously served as Chief Operating Officer at FatFace for five years, a role that included leading the transition to NEXT Total Platform following the acquisition of the business in 2023.

TFG named Sally Ambrose Chief Product Officer

TFG London appointed Sally Ambrose as its new Chief Product Officer with immediate effect.

In her new role, Ambrose is responsible for product across the Group's portfolio, reporting directly to CEO Justin Hampshire and taking responsibility for the full product lifecycle. Her remit includes driving product development and ensuring consistency of brand identity across Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight.

Depop

Depop made Peter Semple permanent CEO to lead 'next phase of growth'

Fashion resale marketplace Depop appointed Peter Semple as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 August 2025, after a brief tenure as Interim CEO. Semple has been with the platform for over six years, originally joining as Chief Marketing Officer in February 2019.