Major UK clothing brands targeted in fresh cyberattack

The Foschini Group, which also owns Phase Eight, apologised to customers after a "cybersecurity incident" impacted certain IT systems, specifically those related to its Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Whistles brands.

The South African retail group said it became aware of the cyber attack on Sunday, which affected its UK subsidiary.

However, the company stated there is "no reason to believe that payment information is at risk".

Other high street brands under the group, including Inside Story and White Stuff, have not been affected by the attack.

The company said it reported the incident to the relevant UK authorities and confirmed its operations in Africa and Australia were not affected.

The incident follows a recent cyber attack on ASOS, where an "unauthorised party" accessed some personal data, including names and details.

The breach was initially reported to be linked to the data storage firm Snowflake, but the company later stated the breach was not caused by a vulnerability or flaw in its platform.

H&M was also reportedly investigating claims of a cyber attack last week by a group called Shinyhunters.

Customers who placed orders with Phase Eight, Hobbs, or Whistles before Sunday have been assured their purchases will be processed and delivered as normal.

H&M was also reportedly investigating claims of a cyber attack last week by a group called Shinyhunters. (Image: Chris Radbourn/PA)

However, the group warned of potential delays for orders placed after Sunday, but stated there was no need for customers to resubmit their orders.

The company also said returns could still be made in stores and is working on a solution for postal returns.

Customers will be kept informed of any updates.

The major company first entered the UK market in 2015 after buying Phase Eight.

Since then, it has added womenswear brands Whistles and Hobbs, homeware brand Inside Story, and lifestyle brand White Stuff to its portfolio.

As a subsidiary headquartered in London, it employs more than 3,000 people and operates across the UK, Europe, America, and Asia.

This is the second hack impacting a UK retailer in a week.

There are three Phase Eight stores in Oxfordshire. One in the Westgate Shopping Centre, one in Oxford city centre, and one in Witney.

Meanwhile, there is a Hobbs Outlet store in Bicester Village.

The company also has multiple Whistles stores within the county. With one on High Street in Oxford and a Whistles Outlet store in Bicester Village.