Urban Outfitters news

Martin Parker, the European managing director of US young fashion chain Urban Outfitters, is retiring after 35 years in retail.

Hugh Wahla, who was previously buying and trade director at the European operation, will replace Parker upon his departure.

Parker began his career at the Burton Group and joined Urban Outfitters seven years ago. He was credited with translating the US business and building up a successful retail proposition in the UK and Europe.

Retail headhunter Paul Meechan said: "Martin is a joy to work with and has a superb knowledge of the market."

Urban Outfitters has 14 European stores, including UK shops, in London, Bluewater in Kent, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast. 
The Urban Outfitters group is also planning to launch its Anthropologie fascia in the UK. It is understood to have looked at sites on London's Regent Street and hopes to open 20 to 40 Anthropologie stores in Europe within five years.

Anthropologie's European operation will be run by  managing director of Anthropologie Europe, James Bidwell. 

(taken from www.drapersonline.com)