Brief

TFG says cyberattack hits UK fashion brands Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles

The Foschini Group disclosed a cyber incident that disabled IT systems at three of its UK fashion brands while its South African and Australian operations remain unaffected.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:28:30 GMT

The Foschini Group (TFG) said a cybersecurity incident identified on 11 October has knocked out IT systems at its UK fashion brands Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, though stores remain open. TFG confirmed that its other UK brands, Inside Story and White Stuff, were not affected, and that its South African and Australian operations run on separate systems.

In an investor notice, TFG said it had activated incident‑response and business‑continuity plans and engaged external cybersecurity specialists, reporting the breach to the relevant UK authorities. The group does not yet know whether customer data was compromised, adding that any such breach would trigger notification to affected individuals.

The incident follows a series of cyberattacks on UK retailers in 2025, prompting a government warning that cybersecurity must be an “absolute priority”. TFG London, which grew after buying White Stuff in October 2024, posted a £488‑million turnover for the year to 31 March 2026 but recorded a £21‑million operating loss, partly due to an impairment at Phase Eight.

Key facts

The cyber incident was identified on 11 October at TFG's UK brands Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles. (techcentral.co.za)
TFG's South African and Australian operations were not affected. (techcentral.co.za)
TFG has engaged external cybersecurity specialists and reported the breach to UK authorities. (techcentral.co.za)
TFG London’s turnover was £488 million for the year to 31 March 2026, with a £21 million operating loss. (techcentral.co.za)

Background

TFG’s UK operations have faced previous cyber‑risk concerns, similar to the challenges noted in <a href="/news/m-s-fashion-turnaround">M&S’s fashion division</a>.