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UK retail sector M&A accelerated last year, kidswar, premium brands saw the most deals

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4 days ago

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January 7, 2026

Takeovers and mergers in the UK retail sector climbed 8.1% in the last year (from 36 to 40), the highest number since before Covid, with childrenswear and premium brands key targets, according to research from accountants/business advisors Lubbock Fine.

Belstaff

Clothing was the subsector that saw the most deals at 10, up from six the previous year, “due to demand for childrenswear and overseas buyers luxury and fashion groups looking to make strategic purchases of UK assets”.

It said notable deals included global school uniforms group Hancock & Gore taking over UK operator Schoolblazer, while H&G’s Manchester-based rival Parently snapped up Term Footwear, which specialises in children shoes.

On the premium front, it noted British outerwear designer and retailer Belstaff was bought by Castore’s parent J Carter, outdoor specialist Karrimor was sold to Japanese groups Itochu and Adastri, “who intend to expand the brand into Asia”, and high-end streetwear brand End was taken over by private equity group Apollo.

Other notable deals in the clothing/footwear sector included the sale of  Kurt Geiger to US footwear group Steve Madden and Laura Ashley, sold by Gordon Brothers to Marquee Brands, the owner of Ben Sherman, the report highlighted.

It also pointed to tough economic conditions, as well as high rents, behind the sale of Poundland to turnaround specialist Gordon Brothers by PepCo for £1 in June.

Lubbock Fine M&A partner Rahid Rashid said: “What we’re seeing is an increase in retail deals, but what is noticeable is that it is corporate buyers [that] have been particularly active undertaking strategic deals.

“It is noticeable that many of these deals have been in sectors where consumers would be reluctant to cut spending in a weak economy – for example childrenswear.”

Rashid also noted that if interest rates continue to fall and reduce the cost of deal finance “that should increase M&A activity from both corporate buyers and private equity.”

 

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Millie Bobby Brown launches teen fashion brand with Walmart

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30 minutes ago

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January 11, 2026

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January 11, 2026

Actress Millie Bobby Brown has launched Mills by Millie Bobby Brown, a new fashion brand for teens and young women created exclusively for Walmart in collaboration with Delta Galil USA.

Millie Bobby Brown launches teen fashion brand with Walmart. – Millie Bobby Brown

Serving as founder and creative guide, Bobby Brown drew inspiration from her own early experiences with fashion, positioning the brand as exciting, attainable, and inclusive.

“Mills is all about embracing those earlier moments of fashion exploration. I want everyone to feel comfortable and free to find what style makes them feel like the best version of themselves,” said Bobby Brown.

“This collection is made for the fashion curious girl to play in, experiment with, and make their own with a fun selection of colorways, graphics and special details. It was very important to me for this brand to be accessible to millions through our collaboration with Walmart!”

The debut collection spans ready-to-wear, sleepwear and intimates, featuring flirty cuts and playful, cheeky details. Feminine touches such as floral appliqués, embroidery and lace finishes are woven throughout the assortment, while practical design elements, including built-in shorts and bras, prioritize comfort and ease.

The assortment includes dresses, skirts, tops, denim, sleepwear, bralettes, briefs and coordinated intimates sets. Pricing is positioned to be highly accessible, starting at $10.50 for intimates and reaching $26.50 for wide-leg jeans.

“Walmart is on a journey to democratize fashion and Mills by Millie Bobby Brown delivers on the trend-right style and aesthetic our customers are looking for at the incredible prices that Walmart is known for,” said Ryan Waymire, senior vice president fashion, Walmart U.S. 

“Mills by Millie Bobby Brown is an exciting new brand that stands for style and quality and offers tremendous value that only Walmart can. We are excited for the launch, and we know that our customers are going to love it.”

Mills by Millie Bobby Brown is Bobby Brown’s latest brand expansion following the success of Florence by Mills Beauty, Florence by Mills Coffee, Florence by Mills Pets and Florence by Mills Fashion.

It is available now on Walmart.com and in approximately 750 Walmart stores nationwide. The partnership was facilitated by Bobby Brown’s licensing agency, IMG Licensing.

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Elizabeth Scarlett in Valentine’s Day collab with Dalloway Terrace

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1 day ago

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January 9, 2026

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January 9, 2026

Thirty-seven days and counting: Elizabeth Scarlett, lifestyle and accessories brand has Valentine’s Day firmly in its sights, announcing a creative partnership with Dalloway Terrace, London’s dining destination at The Bloomsbury.

Elizabeth Scarlett

Bringing together two British brands “united by a shared love of beauty and storytelling”, the collaboration will see Dalloway Terrace transformed into an immersive space “celebrating love, nature and artistry”. It’s a trend we’re seeing more and more often with brands linking up with complementary destinations in a way that benefits both partners.

Inspired by Elizabeth Scarlett’s signature wildflower motifs – the terrace will feature a specially commissioned floral installation, “drawing guests into the brand’s romantic, nature-led world”.

At the heart of the partnership is a limited-edition Afternoon Tea, specially created to celebrate the partnership with a special menu (pastries and sweets inspired by the brand’s signature storytelling).

To mark the event, every guest who books a space on the day will receive a complimentary limited-edition Elizabeth Scarlett love heart stripe pouch (RRP £38), created for the collaboration. Some of the proceeds will also be donated to wildlife conservation.

Elizabeth Petrides, founder of Elizabeth Scarlett said: “We wanted to create a moment where guests can slow down, look closer, and feel immersed in the natural world – even in the heart of the city. From the wildflowers that surround you to the wildlife artwork at the core of our brand, it honours the magic that happens when artistry and nature meet.”

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LVMH Champagne union calls for further strikes

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1 day ago

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January 9, 2026

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Reuters

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January 9, 2026

The CGT labour union at LVMH‘s champagne units called for new strike action next Thursday, as it seeks to pressure management to compensate workers for lost bonuses.

The LVMH business includes fashion and refreshments – DR

CGT labour representatives from the Moet&Chandon and ⁠Veuve Clicquot champagne houses said in a video addressed to workers on Friday that they ⁠should drop their tasks for “at least three hours.” The union launched protests last month against a cut in annual bonuses and other ‍benefits ‌at the world’s largest luxury group, even as it keeps
The ⁠group hasn’t yet ‌publicly commented on the labour dispute. LVMH’s ‌Moet Hennessy alcohol division had no immediate comment when contacted by Reuters on Friday.

Management at the unit had offered to pay a one-off 1,000 euros ($1,162.20) payment ‍to workers after it said it would not pay usual annual bonuses amid a decline in sales, ‌said ⁠the ​CGT, an offer “not at the height of our ⁠expectations.”

“It ​is really important to continue to put pressure on the company,” a CGT official said in the ​video message, adding that further talks are planned for Wednesday. So far, no strike action ⁠has been announced at ⁠LVMH’s other drinks businesses, including the Hennessy cognac brand.
 

© Thomson Reuters 2026 All rights reserved.



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