LONDON — Liberty has promoted retail veteran Lydia King to the new role of group buying and merchandising director.
King had spent the past 12 months serving as interim buying director, and the retailer said her promotion marks “a significant step in the store’s vision to unify and strengthen its buying and merchandising functions,” as it looks to become “a thought leader and key partner in luxury retail.”
In her new role, King will “enhance brand partnerships, refine the customer experience, and accelerate growth across the business,” according to the store.
Both buying and merchandising functions will report directly to her, “creating a unified, collaborative approach that reflects Liberty’s ambitious retail strategy.”
Liberty London.
Shutterstock / Lois GoBe
Sarah Coonan, managing director of Liberty Retail, said that over the past year King has demonstrated “exceptional leadership and expertise, making a significant impact on our buying team. This appointment represents a strategic step forward for Liberty, as we continue to build our retail business, enhance our reputation as a key luxury partner, and cement our position as a thought leader in the industry.”
Founded in 1875, the store will mark its 150th anniversary this year. The store said King’s leadership will be instrumental in curating the product offering and brand collaborations “that have become synonymous with Liberty’s legacy.”
Before joining Liberty, King served as fashion director at Harrods, overseeing womenswear, accessories, shoes and childrenswear. Prior to Harrods, she spent 13 years at Selfridges, where she served as womenswear buying and merchandising director. She began her career in luxury fashion PR.
Over the past few years Liberty has been investing in the store and upgrading its fashion and beauty offer.
Last year, it opened a new fragrance lounge on the lower ground floor, with a concierge service that allows guests to discover their signature scent. Recently, it has also created a stand-alone space for Trinny London, and is the only department store in the British capital to carry the makeup and skin care brand.
Liberty is owned by Glendower Capital, a global private equity manager based in London, with offices in New York. Glendower purchased its stake from Bluegem in 2019.
