Matalan appoints former M&S exec Richard Price as adviser
Matalan has announced that Richard Price, the former M&S managing director of clothing, home and beauty, has become an adviser to its business.
The fashion and home retailer is currently implementing its transformation and growth strategy after it secured a commitment for a further £25 million of funding from its core investor group earlier this year.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Price worked with M&S for nearly five years until 2025. Prior to that, he was chief executive of F&F Clothing, and is also a former managing director of BHS and trading director of M&S. Earlier in his career, he spent more than 15 years at Next in merchandising.
Subscribe to TRBAt Matalan, Price is working closely with the executive and product teams.
Price said: “Matalan has a combination of strengths that gives it a significant opportunity: a highly recognised brand, millions of established customers and genuine affection for the business.
“What I’ve seen since working with Matalan has reinforced my confidence in the direction it’s taking. The business has already made significant progress in strengthening the proposition and modernising Matalan, and customers are responding positively.
“I’m seeing stronger, more contemporary product, refreshed stores creating a more inspiring environment, and investment in omnichannel, including the launch of Matalan’s new app.
“What’s particularly interesting is the headroom that remains. Matalan doesn’t need to introduce itself to the UK customer. The opportunity is to give a large and established customer base more reasons to choose Matalan, more often, with product that excites them and an experience that works around how they want to shop.
“Having spent much of my career in clothing retail, I know how powerful the combination of stronger product and better execution can be when you already have that scale and customer reach. There’s real momentum in the business and significant opportunity still ahead.”
Karl-Heinz Holland, executive chair of Matalan, said: “I am pleased to have Richard working with Matalan as an adviser. He brings exceptional product, trading and retail experience, as well as the independent perspective that comes from a career spent leading some of the UK’s best-known retail businesses.
“Matalan has made significant progress over the past 18 months and we are seeing encouraging evidence that our strategy is working. We also know there is considerably more opportunity ahead of us. Richard’s experience, perspective and challenge are valuable to us as we continue to build on that progress.”
Earlier this week, Matalan announced that it had taken its fashion ranges in a new direction as it looked to put a more fashion-forward take on classic wardrobe items.
