NORMAN’S WISDOM
The chairman of Marks & Spencer has been drawn into the problems at DIY chain Homebase.
Archie Norman was hired as a member of the advisory board to help Australian firm Wesfarmers buy Homebase in 2016 so it could launch its Bunnings brand here. But Wesfarmers has announced a black hole in its Homebase finances and up to 40 stores could close.
Former Asda boss and ex-Tory MP Norman was brought in to oversee a turnaround of M&S in September. M&S yesterday also announced it had hired the couple who helped turn Tesco’s Clubcard programme into a booming success.
Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby’s firm Starcount will work on M&S’s Sparks loyalty scheme.