White Stuff promotes Trading Director to MD role as UK retail expansion continues

British lifestyle brand White Stuff, which was acquired by Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight-owner TFG London in October 2024, has promoted Tracey Verghese to the role of Managing Director.

Verghese has served as Trading Director of White Stuff since February 2021, having joined the company as Merchandising Director in November 2018 following a 13-year stint at Marks & Spencer - culminating as Head of Merchandising for Womenswear.

The news comes ahead of White Stuff opening a 1,900 sq ft store in The Beacon Centre in Eastbourne on Thursday 29 May, in what will be the brand’s 117th UK store and its third opening this year.

It follows the opening of a 2,500 sq ft store at Broughton Shopping Park in Flintshire, Wales, and a new store at Dalton Park outlet shopping centre in Murton, County Durham, both of which opened in March.

It also comes as White Stuff celebrates its 40th anniversary, having launched an archive-inspired collection called ‘Rewind ‘85’ - with a campaign starring 80s pop stars Martin Kemp, Toyah Wilcox and Sinitta – also in March.

Andrew Penney, Area Manager of White Stuff, said: "We're excited to be opening in Eastbourne as part of our wider retail expansion across the UK. We look forward to welcoming the East Sussex community and sharing our unique designs with even more customers.”

Visitors to the new Eastbourne store will be able to shop a variety of bestselling pieces from White Stuff’s summer collection. As part of the brand’s pledge to increase usage of sustainable materials, 95% of its collection is made from certified materials. That includes swimwear produced using REPREVE Nylon, an innovative yarn created from scrap nylon waste from production lines.

To mark the new opening, local customers will be able to enjoy complementary Prosecco and participate in a lucky dip with the chance to win a hamper of curated gits from local independent businesses, as well as a selection of White Stuff “goodies”.

A gift with purchase will be available to the first 250 customers, which will include an exclusive tote bag. On Saturday 31 May, a branded ice cream cart will also be on site offering shoppers a free gelato service throughout the afternoon.

Earlier this month, it was announced that White Stuff CEO Jo Jenkins is stepping down from her role after seven years.

At the time of the acquisition of White Stuff last year, Jenkins called TFG London the "ideal owner" of the brand. The search for her successor is believed to still be underway.