Coats Group, the global threads and zips specialist, said Friday that its sales rose only modestly in the 10 months to October 31 with a 1% increase on a currency-neutral basis.

British business this month suffered its deepest downturn since mid-2016 as the approach of a national election exacerbated uncertainty about Brexit, according to a survey which augured badly for the economy.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co opened its new signature brand store, including abercrombie kids, in Westfield London on Friday. The new flagship is at Europe's largest shopping destination that draws in 30m visitors a year. 

As size and fit remain “two of the biggest pain points for customers,” H&M’s Weekday brand has used new technology to test its ability to create products that are “made to a unique size and fit preference”.

Mintel expects a "respectable" sales increase for UK stores in December, despite the ongoing shopping shift to Black Friday. And while electricals will be a big focus, fashion and beauty are also key for festive spend. 

Consumer goods giants Unilever and Henkel and a series of buyout funds are talking to U.S. cosmetics maker Coty to submit bids for some of its most popular beauty brands, three sources told Reuters.

Apparel retailer Gap Inc nudged past tempered quarterly profit expectations and reiterated its plan to separate Old Navy from the namesake brand ahead of Old Navy's China exit in 2020.

Nordstrom Inc raised its 2019 forecast unlike many competitors and reported third-quarter profit above Wall Street expectations on Thursday, sending the retailer’s shares up about 10% in extended trading.

The international fragrance company responsible for the perfume offerings of brands including Montblanc, Jimmy Choo and Coach, expects to report revenues of 500 million euros ($554 million) in 2020, up 4.2% from 2019. 

The Columbus, Ohio-based fashion retailer announced declining sales and widening losses for the third quarter on Wednesday, and has now confirmed that this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will not be taking place.

Macy’s Inc cut its annual profit forecast for the second time this year on Thursday, blaming weak international tourism, warm weather and sluggish mall traffic for the first drop in same-store sales in two years.

French luxury group LVMH has persuaded U.S. jewelry chain Tiffany & Co to provide it with confidential due diligence after it raised its bid to close to $16 billion, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Brazilian retailers Magazine Luiza SA and Lojas Marisa SA announced on Thursday a partnership to sell smartphones and financial services in roughly 300 stores of apparel retailer Marisa.

Private equity firm Catalyst Capital Group Inc is seeking financing for a bid for Saks Fifth Avenue owner Hudson’s Bay Co that would top a C$1.9 billion ($1.4 billion) deal the retailer reached last month.

Britain’s Hut Group has grown remarkably fast over the past decade, and it hopes the launch of two new debt facilities will give it the further boost it needs to become the global leader in online beauty.