Published: September 28, 2025, 20:15 EDT

Harrods, the iconic British luxury department store, has informed customers that a recent cyberattack exposed some personal details from its online database. The breach, linked to a third-party service provider, has raised concerns amid a wave of cyber incidents affecting major U.K. businesses in recent months.

Harrods Discloses Details of the Breach

In a statement issued Friday evening, Harrods confirmed that customer names and contact information were accessed during the incident. The retailer stressed that more sensitive data, including payment details and account passwords, were not compromised.

“The impacted personal data is limited to basic personal identifiers including name and contact details, but does not include account passwords or payment details,” Harrods said. The company added that the breach was “isolated” and had been fully contained.

Company Response and Previous Security Concerns

The department store emphasized that this breach was unrelated to a separate security precaution taken in May, when it restricted online access following an attempted intrusion. At that time, no customer data was confirmed as stolen.

Harrods also noted that it has directly contacted affected customers and assured them that protective measures have been reinforced. The company did not disclose the number of individuals impacted.

Arrests Linked to Wider Cybercrime

The breach comes months after four individuals were arrested in July on suspicion of involvement in cyberattacks targeting Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-op. According to police, the suspects were released on bail while investigations continue. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the latest Harrods incident is connected to those earlier attacks.

The arrests highlight the growing threat of organized cybercrime groups targeting high-profile retail and consumer-facing companies in the U.K.

Cyberattacks on Other British Companies

Harrods is not alone in facing cyber challenges. In August, Jaguar Land Rover—the U.K.’s largest automaker—reported a cyberattack that forced production lines to remain closed until at least October 1.

Just last week, hackers targeted Kido, a London-based nursery chain, stealing sensitive data on thousands of children and reportedly posting some images and personal information on the darknet. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations into what it described as a “ransomware attack on a London-based organization” are ongoing, though no arrests have yet been made.

Rising Cybersecurity Risks in the U.K.

Experts note that the increase in attacks on major British companies highlights vulnerabilities across industries ranging from retail to automotive to education. While Harrods has assured customers that no financial data was exposed, the incident underscores the risks associated with third-party service providers in supply chain security.

Businesses are under mounting pressure to invest in more resilient cybersecurity infrastructure, especially as ransomware attacks and data breaches continue to affect public trust and consumer confidence.

Looking Ahead

For Harrods, the priority remains restoring customer confidence while cooperating with investigators. While the luxury retailer has pledged to strengthen its systems, the broader surge in cyberattacks suggests that companies across the U.K. will face continued challenges in protecting sensitive data.

As police investigations continue and new preventive measures are put in place, cybersecurity is expected to remain a critical concern for both businesses and consumers in the months ahead.

Source: AP News – British department store Harrods warns customers that some personal details taken in data breach

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In a stunning shift in the luxury goods market, Hermès has overtaken LVMH to become the world’s most valuable luxury company. The move came after LVMH, the parent company of high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Sephora, reported disappointing first-quarter sales, which sparked investor concerns.

LVMH’s latest earnings report missed analyst expectations, with a 3% decline in first-quarter sales—far below the anticipated 2% growth. The slowdown in sales was attributed to weaker demand in key markets, including the U.S., where shoppers reduced their purchases of beauty products and cognac, and China, where sales also remained sluggish. As a result, LVMH’s stock dropped by 7%, reducing its market capitalization to €246 billion, just behind Hermès, which now stands at €247 billion.

Jelena Sokolova, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, highlighted that LVMH’s large exposure to the lower end of the luxury market has made it more vulnerable to market downturns. In contrast, Hermès, with its exclusive focus on high-end products like the $10,000 Birkin and Kelly handbags, has cultivated a wealthier client base that is more resilient to economic shifts. This shift in market valuation is seen as indicative of a broader post-pandemic trend, where wealthier consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their luxury purchases.

Hermès has long been known for its conservative production strategy, limiting its annual growth to around 6-7%. This tight control on supply ensures that demand for its products remains high, helping the brand weather economic downturns more effectively than its competitors. Flavio Cereda, who manages GAM’s Luxury Brands investment strategy, believes that the growth in LVMH’s fashion labels, particularly in the middle-range luxury sector, could be a point of concern. While LVMH has gained market share post-pandemic, the focus on more affordable luxury goods might be a risk in a more challenging economic environment.

LVMH’s recent performance is not isolated. Other luxury brands, including Kering (owner of Gucci), Richemont (which owns Cartier), and Prada, also experienced share declines, with LVMH leading the pack at a 7.2% drop. Analysts point to trade tensions, particularly the fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, as key factors contributing to the uncertainty in the luxury market.

The luxury sector was hoping for a rebound in 2024, but the latest figures show that a recovery may take longer than expected. LVMH’s key fashion and leather goods business, which includes Louis Vuitton and Dior, saw a 5% sales decline, highlighting the tough road ahead. According to RBC analyst Piral Dadhania, the current trading environment for luxury brands is “difficult,” and he has revised his sales forecast for LVMH this year from growth to flat sales.

With concerns of a global recession looming, the luxury industry faces a challenging year. Shares of companies like LVMH, Kering, and Burberry have fallen 14% since the end of March, while Richemont and Hermès saw declines of 13% and 5%, respectively. Bernstein analysts have lowered their sales forecast for the luxury sector, predicting a 2% decline this year, which would mark the industry’s longest downturn in over two decades.

As Hermès ascends to the top spot, it’s clear that the luxury market is undergoing a transformation. The industry’s biggest players will need to navigate economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences to remain competitive. The next chapter in this battle for luxury dominance will be a pivotal one for all involved.

Source: CNN – Hermès overtakes LVMH to become the world’s most valuable luxury company

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