Knightsbridge luxury department store, founded 1849, synonymous with opulence and British retail history.
Sainsbury’s has agreed to sell Argos and the Habitat brand to Swift Partners, a new vehicle led by Richard Pennycook and supported by Trevor Strain and Matt Truman. The deal will see Argos, including its standalone stores and in-store outlets, transferred to Swift, enabling Sainsbury’s to concentrate on its food business. Completion is expected in February 2027 with full separation by 2029.
Federal agencies and state officials have reported coordinated cyberattacks that have targeted internet-connected controllers at water and wastewater utilities in at least a dozen states since late July. Operators have had passwords changed and been locked out, forcing many plants to revert to manual control; officials say drinking water remains broadly safe while investigations continue.
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale after successive losses and is drawing bids from Frasers Group and Next as owners seek £50m–£60m; Mike Ashley has called the chain in a "death spiral" and says a lower price will be needed. Separately, UK high street restructuring plans have won court approval while retailers use AI to trace complex apparel supply chains.
The Metropolitan Police has disclosed further suspects in the Operation Cornpoppy inquiry into Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged offences. A routine victims’ update leaked email addresses to multiple recipients, triggering a formal ICO referral and urgent process reviews. Victims are being offered support as the force investigates the breach.
Beauty retailers are rolling out advent calendars for 2026, featuring luxury and budget options. LookFantastic, M&S, Boots, and Boots’ fragrance line unveil calendars with full-size products, elite brands, and online exclusives. The range includes premium, mid-range, and affordable options, with clear savings versus listed values.
The Attire, a UAE-based marketplace for pre-owned fashion, is expanding from UAE to Saudi Arabia in 2027. It authenticates luxury items, uses an AI tool to flag counterfeits, and offers buyer protection as it shifts secondhand fashion into more mainstream appeal.
Asos has identified a breach affecting basic personal data via a third-party platform. Names, addresses, phone numbers, emails and customer search queries may have been accessed. Snowflake reports no platform compromise. Investigations and advisories are ongoing.
Winnie-the-Pooh marks 100 years since the first Milne tale, celebrated with stamps, exhibitions, and a New York Public Library show. UK and US outlets highlight Pooh’s enduring popularity and the cross‑Atlantic tug‑of‑war over the bear’s home.
A wave of unrest in France has disrupted luxury retail, with online marketplaces reporting surges in suspicious listings tied to looting. Paris stores and other cities have seen widespread damage, prompting government calls for platform cooperation and tighter security. Bloomberg notes deep discounts on Yoox signal pressure on high-end brands already wary of eroding exclusivity.