Over £1million was raised for the Retail Trust charity last night at The Retail Trust London Ball.
The ball, which took place at Grosvenor House, saw pledges come from industry figures such as Arcadia owner Sir Philip Green, who donated £125,000 to help retailers and the families of retailers who fall on hard times. Corporate contributions also came from retailers including House of Fraser, M&S, Primark, John Lewis and ASOS.
The 1200 attendants included British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman, Marks & Spencer chairman Robert Swannell, M&S chief executive Marc Bolland, Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman, House of Fraser chief executive John King and Michelle Mone, founder of lingerie brand Ultimo.
Nigel Rothband, Retail Trust chief executive, said: “Threats to the retail sector, and therefore retail staff, have never been higher.