Matalan

"Matalan is one of the UK's leading clothing and homeware retailers offering quality fashion and homeware at up to half the equivalent high street price.

"John Hargreaves, the founder of Matalan, discovered the out of town retail US concept that sold a range of food and non-food products at low prices in the 1970's. John decided to implement the same retail concept in the UK, so in 1985 the first Matalan store opened in Preston. Since then Matalan has grown significantly and by 1995 there were 50 stores across the UK. In 1997, in order to cope with Matalan's growth, the head office was relocated from Preston to Skelmersdale along with a new distribution centre. Matalan now trades from 5 million square feet in over 200 stores."

In 2012, former Asda chief executive Allan Leighton was been appointed chairman at Matalan, succeeding John Mills. 

In July 2013 it was reported that: "Darren Blackhurst, who joined the retailer as chief executive less than two years ago, will leave Matalan to pursue “other opportunities”. The former chief merchandising officer at Walmart’s Asda departs as Matalan continues to struggle to compete in a heavily discounted market. Sales fell to £258.6 million from £278.6 million in the 16 weeks to 25 May 2013, while operating profit fell to £19.4 million from £23.6 million. Jason Hargreaves, son of founder John Hargreaves, will now take over as managing director." 


 * former chief executive - Darren Blackhurst

Former Board

 * Allan Leighton
 * John Mills
 * Bill Shannon
 * Martin Reavley
 * Philip Harris

Contact
Web:

Related Sourcewatch

 * Maxine Adams, the daughter of John Hargreaves - Prince Andrew connection
 * David Herro, Harris Associates, Matalan's biggest institutional investor in 2006
 * Martin Reavley
 * Angus Monro ‎
 * Former Matalan CEO Alastair McGeorge