Boots, Harvey Nichols, Estée Lauder Lead August Retail Moves

Boots' proposed £7 billion sale to the Weston family was put in jeopardy after private equity owner Sycamore Partners reportedly rejected a reduced bid. The two sides had reached a standstill after months of negotiations, with a source close to the discussions putting the chances of salvaging the transaction at '50/50'. The full report outlined the latest position in the talks.

Frasers Group confirms acquisition of Harvey Nichols

Frasers Group acquired Harvey Nichols from FTI Consulting, taking control of six UK stores, the online business, inventory, franchise agreements and more than 1,000 employees. The deal covers the newly refurbished Knightsbridge flagship and locations in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Edinburgh.

P&G agrees $3.8 billion deal to acquire supplements brand Thorne

Procter & Gamble agreed to acquire science-driven wellness company Thorne for $3.8 billion in cash. The deal adds a practitioner-backed supplements business to P&G's Health Care portfolio as younger consumers continue to spend on personalised wellness and performance. The deal expanded P&G's exposure to premium wellness.

Estée Lauder annual sales rise as skincare and fragrance drive growth

The Estée Lauder Companies reported a 5% increase in net sales to $15 billion for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2026. The performance was supported by new product launches, brand expansion and initiatives aimed at improving profitability and consumer acquisition. Fragrance showed stronger momentum and skincare continued to grow, while make-up remained broadly stable and hair care declined modestly.

'September reset' gains momentum as UK consumers prioritise wellness

September emerged as a second reset point for UK consumers, with 44% identifying it as the right time to restart healthy habits, according to Boots research. The study found that 48% of UK adults regret failing to invest in their wellbeing ahead of winter, while post-summer motivation is driving healthier changes and preparation for colder months.

Wild entered children's personal care with refillable WildChild range

Refillable personal care brand Wild expanded into children's bath products with WildChild, supported by a limited-edition Peppa Pig collaboration. The UK and EU range includes Hair & Body Wash and Bubble Bath refills designed to fit reusable cases, extending Wild's refill model into family bathroom routines. The move took Wild into a new consumer segment.

Sephora to open fifth London store this winter

Sephora UK announced plans to open a 4,500 sq ft store at Brent Cross shopping centre in North London this winter. The opening date is due to be confirmed in November. The new store will become Sephora UK's fifth London store as the retailer continues to build its presence in the capital, adding another location to its UK expansion.

**Jo Malone London arrives at Boots as demand fuels major retail expansion**

Boots launched a new partnership with Jo Malone London, making the British fragrance brand available in 39 stores across the UK and on Boots.com from 4 August. The rollout gives Jo Malone London a presence in more Boots locations than through any other UK retailer. The new distribution agreement broadens the fragrance brand's reach across the UK.

**Rituals enters colour cosmetics with new skincare-led make-up range**

Rituals entered the colour cosmetics category with a new skincare-led make-up range.