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Thu, 13 Aug 2026

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 Harvey Nichols bought by owner of Sports Direct

The department store made famous by sitcom Absolutely Fabulous had warned it would cease trading.

* Luxury department store Harvey Nichols has been bought by Frasers Group, which also owns Sports Direct.
* The acquisition includes all Harvey Nichols stores, including its flagship in Knightsbridge, and its international franchise.
* Frasers' chief executive Michael Murray said a "significant restructuring" was needed to ensure the 200-year-old business remains sustainable.
* The company has faced challenges in recent years and had appointed administrators in June.
* Harvey Nichols carries over 800 premium and luxury brands and has over 1,000 employees.
* Frasers will conduct a review of the store's portfolio, structure and cost base as part of its turnaround plan.
* The deal was completed after Frasers battled retail rival Next to take control of the firm in an auction earlier this year.
* Harvey Nichols had warned that it would need to "cease trading" within a year if it failed to secure new investment.
* The purchase is part of Frasers' strategy to increase its presence in the luxury market, which also includes brands such as Flannels and House of Fraser.