News roundup--Maplin, David Nieper, Radley, more

Electronics retailer Maplin Electronics has named John Cleland as chief executive, effective 1st March 2012. He joins from Esporta, the health and fitness chain, where has was chief executive, achieving a successful merger with Virgin Active. Cleland previously held roles at Asda Walmart in the UK and Walmart Japan. More recently he was commercial director for B&Q. Following an internal reorganisation, marketing director David O’Reilly has left the business.

The Telegraph profiles Christopher Nieper, the owner of £12 million-turnover nightwear catalogue David Nieper. The article notes that “David Nieper designs, makes and sells its products directly to consumers from its base in Alfreton. Even web design, catalogue printing and taking pictures of models are handled in-house.”

Sales at British accessories brand Radley slid from £47.5 million to £45 million in the year to April 2011, reports the Sunday Times. The paper also writes Paul Mason, Radley’s chairman has resigned, and Sven Gaede, chief executive has stepped down. 

The Telegraph’s retail editor visits Barbour’s South Shields factory.

According to the Sunday Times, the new owner of Peacocks is considering reopening 75 of the 244 stores closed during the retailer’s administration. Philip Day, the owner of Edinburgh Woollen Mill, told the newspaper that he will seek new lease deals on some stores and try to “save as many jobs as I can”.

Footwear and apparel retailer LK Bennett reported a 17 percent rise in gross profits, to £54.6 million, and a 15.6 percent growth in revenues, to £81.7 million, in the year to 30th July. The Financial Times adds that online sales are soaring, with the LK Bennett website generating twice the annual sales of its best-performing store, the London flagship in Mayfair.

Simon Berry, the chairman of wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd talks to the Guardian about his business, the importance of the web and his family motto: "never stop changing".

Charles Tyrwhitt, the UK-based cataloguer/retailer, is opening a store in Washington DC in April, reports the Washington Post. According to the piece, it is setting up shop opposite fellow brit brand Thomas Pink: “But don’t get the two confused. Tyrwhitt (pronounced Tirr-it) carries a wide selection of high quality poplin and herringbone weaves for at least $20 less than Pink, where similar men’s shirts start at $160.”