News roundup--Jack Wills, JJB Sports, more

Jack Wills, the British fashion retailer, has appointed Wendy Becker, who was previously group marketing head at Vodafone, as chief operating officer. According to the Telegraph the appointment has added to speculation that the group is preparing to undertake a stake sale or is getting ready to float.

Struggling sportswear retailer JJB Sports is finalising a restructuring plan to help secure its future within two weeks. Last month the retailer warned it would need fresh funds to pay for its store refurbishment programme sooner than it had expected as it battles poor trading figures and rising debts and it is rumoured that the management has now been given a deadline of the 5th September to submit the proposals for a financial restructuring. The Scotsman has more on the story.

Parcel delivery firm Shutl has secured a $2 million investment from new investor the UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund and existing investors including Hummingbird Ventures and GeoPost. The new investment will be used to expand its engineering team, accelerate the acquisition of new retail partners and prepare to launch its service in the US in early 2013.

Jeweller Tiffany & Co has reported a 1 percent slide in second-quarter sales in Europe as well as "relative softness" in the UK. According to the Independent sales at Tiffany & Co will now grow by up to 7 percent this year, below the previous guidance of up to 8 percent, with profits guidance also lowered.