The Direct approach: why ailing UK retailers are turning to Mike Ashley

The clothing tycoon is one of the few players still willing to invest in the high street as Britain’s shoppers desert itMike Ashley, the high street’s most voracious corporate shopper, underlined his power over British retail last week when he was allowed to peruse the books of a long-coveted target: Debenhams.As the 54-year-old entrepreneur scrutinised the struggling chain’s finances, he also managed a tilt at two failed retailers over the past fortnight. HMV was ultimately so