Matalan loses key executive

NORTH West retailer Matalan has lost buying director John Lyttle to discount clothing rival Primark.

Mr Lyttle will become chief operating officer at Primark, which is part of Associated British Foods.

The appointment is seen as something of a coup for Primark, which under the leadership of Paul Marchant is set to embark on a major growth drive which will see it expand overseas.

In a statement Primark said: “‘John Lyttle will have full responsibility for buying and sourcing across the UK and international buying operations.

“The appointment reiterates Primark’s commitment to invest in the Primark and Penneys (the Irish Primark) brands and to support expansion.”

Skelmersdale-based Matalan has performed well during the last two years and is in the midst of a store expansion drive.

Last week it posted a 3% like-for-like increase in sales for the 13 weeks to May 29.