A new filing by Matches' administrators shows there’s been plenty of interest in buying it but that even if it was sold as a going concern, any new owner would have to deal with its severely dented reputation.

​Interiors and fragrance brand L’Objet has appointed Stanislas Le Bert as CEO, effective immediately, ahead of its opening of a beauty concession inside Harrods next month.

THG’s Q1 saw sales growth accelerating from 1.1% at the end of last year to 4.5% this time. And it said it saw a “standout performance” in THG Beauty, with an 11.1% rise at constant currency, compared to just 2.6% in Q4.

Primark's owner announced its interim results on Tuesday with the 24 weeks to the beginning of March showing that the chain is continuing to prosper and its baby steps into digital are paying off.

​Middle Eastern and Chinese investors are reportedly eyeing a Selfridges stake as Thailand-based Central Group continues to seek an owner-partner to replace failed co-owner Signa.

To sustain a double-digit annual growth rate, the online retailer specializing in outdoor gear has announced a funding round totaling €15 million.

The Italian brand is preparing to open a shop in Milan dedicated to its homeware range, which continues to grow, notably with a line of outdoor furniture and through a number of real estate projects.

In Milan, Karl Lagerfeld unveiled his second home collection, Thom Browne launched a textile line with Italian manufacturer Frette and luxury outlet Fidenza Village teamed up with artist Cyril Lancelin.

Few brands are as attached to the concept of craft as Tod’s whose creative collaboration, The Art of Craftmanship – A Project by Venetian Masters, opened with panache on Friday night.

On April 18, with Milan Design Week in full swing, Swarovski inaugurated its Milanese flagship store, the first of its kind in Italy, adding to the flagships opened last autumn in New York and Seoul.

Hermès and Giorgio Armani have taken centre-stage at Milan Design Week with their sophisticated installations, showcasing the affinities between their furniture and fashion collections.

Well-known for its perfumes and candles, Diptyque has opened a store on rue Duphot in Paris, displaying its collections and offering customisation and workshops. This premium concept is about to be launched in London.

Hardware stores, furniture shops, and clothing stores all reported a rise in sales, but these gains were offset by falling food sales and in department stores where retailers say higher prices hit trading.”

The two luxury brands, along with the Italian retailer, are making a name for themselves at this year's Milan Design Week with some particularly original and environmentally-friendly projects.

LVMH’s first-quarter results brought reassuring signs that wealthy Chinese shoppers are splashing out on luxury items — just not in China.

​Harvey Nichols has faced tough conditions in recent years but it’s now hoping for better times ahead with the announcement of a new CEO from one of luxury's major labels.