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Jobs at risk as Harvey Nichols considers axing hampers and own-brand food

Jobs at risk as Harvey Nichols considers axing hampers and own-brand food

Independent21-05-2025

Dozens of jobs are at risk at Harvey Nichols as part of an overhaul that could see the luxury retailer stop selling its own food products and hampers.
The department store business is undergoing a three-year turnaround programme under recently-appointed boss Julia Goddard in order to return the firm to profit.
On Wednesday, the company told staff it is launching a consultation that will impact around 5%, or roughly 70, of the group's 1,400-strong workforce.
Bosses have put forward restructuring proposals, which could see it stop a number of 'non-core' parts of its business.
It said it is therefore looking at potentially shutting down its own-brand food products, hampers and corporate food offering, and its online food marketplace.
It comes as Ms Goddard, who became chief executive last year, seeks to sharpen its fashion, beauty and hospitality offering to help improve its fortunes.
Harvey Nichols said it has secured a raft of new fashion brands and is pushing forward with a major refurbishment of its Knightsbridge store to attract more customers.
A company spokeswoman said: 'Harvey Nichols is undergoing a significant transformation to re-establish the brand as a British icon and flagship destination.
'As part of this transformation, we have already secured 75 new fashion brands for 2025.
'In line with this strategy and the focus on our core fashion and beauty edit, we are putting forward proposals regarding the non-core areas of our business and the restructuring of some of our teams.
'We are committed to supporting all affected employees through this transition and ensuring the long-term success of our business..

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