Cruise retailer Harding has hailed the contribution of Director of Buying Ann-Marie James (right), who is to leave the business at the end of May after three years. As reported, Harding is seeking a replacement.
James, who has 25 years’ experience in retail, began her career in buying with Marks & Spencer. After four years heading up various womenswear buying departments she became Product Director for William Baird, one of M&S’ largest clothing manufacturers.
In 2000 she set up a successful lifestyle store business, sourcing and buying brands such as Mulberry and Georg Jensen while also discovering other niche brands.
She joined Harding in 2019, initially as Head of Buying. Six months later, COVID-19 shut down the cruise business, but Harding noted how her role “became pivotal for both the internal buying teams and brand partners alike”.
She was responsible for the introduction of over 50 new brands on cruise partner ships such as Virgin and P&O Cruises, and launched the first Mulberry shop at sea onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona.
Most recently, she worked with her merchandising counterpart Daniel Greaves to build a Buying & Merchandising team of over 60 people, introducing category management systems and focusing on key categories and market opportunitues for cruise post-COVID.
She now plans to pursue roles as a non-executive director.
Harding Managing Director James Prescott said: “Ann-Marie has a real skill for spotting talent and has helped Harding develop a world-class buying team. Working alongside Daniel Greaves, Ann-Marie expertly navigated us through some difficult COVID times and our return to service plans. At times she has had to have difficult conversations with a few of our brand partners, often into the small hours of the night, but has always done this with respect and professionalism. Ann-Marie leaves some pretty big shoes to fill.”
Ann-Marie James said: “Working at Harding has been my dream job. I have had the opportunity to combine my people coaching skills with my passion for buying and product, set against the background of the enormous insight Harding has of its customers. It has been a privilege to build and work with such a talented team. We have worked hard but had a lot of fun in the process. I can’t wait to read and hear about the continued success of the business.”
