Fashion
Buyers close in on Claire’s UK while Bodycare chain shuts stores

Published
September 7, 2025
Two different companies, one shared theme — the tough state of retail in the UK. News has emerged that there are two buyers vying to take on failed accessories chain Claire’s, while the struggling Bodycare chain is shutting 32 of its 147 stores.
Sky News reported that acquisition-hungry Modella Capital, and Canadian billionaire Doug Putman (another enthusiastic bidder for distressed businesses) “have both expressed interest in taking over” the Claire’s UK stores.
Modella is the new owner of WH Smith’s high street stores (to be renamed TG Jones) while Putman in the man who bought and is turning around HMV and who also tried to buy Wilko. Both are interested in Claire’s, which went into administration last month.
They’re both reported to have tabled bids but it’s unclear which of the two is ahead in the battle to buy the business or whether they have any rivals for the chain, the sale of which is being handled by Interpath.
The 278 UK shops and 28 Irish stores continue to trade while bids are assessed. But it’s believed that a number of stores will eventually close, putting jobs at risk among the 2,150 people working for the chain. There have been suggestions that a core of around 100 stores would remain.
Meanwhile Bodycare, the beauty chain with 147 stores, is closing 32 of them with 450 jobs being cut.
Sky had reported recently that it was on the brink of administration without a rescue deal. Such a deal hasn’t been forthcoming.
The stores being closed stretch from Scotland to Southern England and include those in Edinburgh, Scunthorpe, Maidstone, Croydon, Morecambe, Wood Green, Newport, Port Talbot, Rhyl, and Wrexham.
The previously profitable company has faced a tsunami of problems in recent years including cash-strapped customers, higher costs, the delayed transition from its online retail platform, an aborted stock market listing and funding issues.
Interpath is also handling Bodycare and is seeking to sell the remaining business with 115 of the stores continuing to operate.
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Fashion
Sri Lanka’s garment exports rise 9% to $2.85 bn in Jan-Jul 2025

During the first seven months of ****, textile exports eased by *.* per cent to $***.* million. Over the same period, exports of other manufactured textile articles increased by ** per cent, totalling $** million, as reported in the Central Bank**;s publication External Sector Performance – July ****.
Combined exports of textiles, garments, and other manufactured textile articles accounted for **.** per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the seven-month period. Total textile product exports amounted to $*,***.* million between January and July ****, while the country’s overall industrial exports were valued at $*,***.* million for the same period.
Fashion
Italy’s Brunello Cucinelli posts €684.1 mn H1 revenue, profit up 16%

The net profit surged 16 per cent to €76.7 million (~$89.7 million), representing 11.2 per cent of sales, and the operating income amounted to €113.8 million (~$133.1 million), with a margin of 16.6 per cent.
Brunello Cucinelli has closed H1 2025 with revenues up 10.2 per cent to €684.1 million (~$800.4 million).
EBIT was up 8.8 per cent to €113.8 million (~$133.1 million), and net profit rose 16 per cent to €76.7 million (~$89.7 million).
Growth was broad-based across regions and channels.
The company expects revenue growth of around 10 per cent in both 2025 and 2026.
Region-wise, Europe saw an increase of 10 per cent YoY to €243.2 million, Americas sales went up 8.7 per cent to €245.3 million, and Asia led the revenue with a 12.5 per cent rise to €195.7 million. Retail revenues advanced 10.3 per cent to €435.8 million, while wholesale sales gained 10.1 per cent to €248.3 million.
The company accelerated its 2024–2026 investment plan, completing key projects a year ahead of schedule, including the doubling of its Solomeo factory. Total investments reached €63.5 million versus €44.8 million last year, Brunello Cucinelli said in a press release.
Payroll costs rose 11 per cent to €125.6 million as the workforce expanded to 3,283 employees, driven by increased artisanal and boutique staff. Despite higher lease and depreciation costs, the company maintained a solid financial structure, with net debt at €197.2 million, reflecting both investments and €68.8 million in dividends paid.
“We have closed the first half of 2025 with excellent results both in terms of revenue and profit, achieving the sound and gracious growth that we greatly value. Our aim has been to dignify manual work, conducting business with full respect for the moral and economic dignity of the human being,” said Brunello Cucinelli, executive chairman and creative director of the company.
“The Fall–Winter sales season has indeed begun very well, as has the order intake for Men’s and Women’s collections for the forthcoming Spring–Summer 2026. All of this, together with the pleasant atmosphere surrounding our brand, enables us to work with peace of mind and to envisage closing 2025 with healthy growth in revenue of around 10 per cent, accompanied by sound profits, and to look ahead to 2026 with the expectation of similarly balanced growth, again in the region of 10 per cent,” added Cucinelli.
The brand also highlighted its global presence with boutique expansions, including new locations on Sloane Street in London and in Vienna, and exclusive events at Harrods and Gstaad, reinforcing its premium positioning, added the release.
Brunello Cucinelli expects to close 2025 with revenue growth of around 10 per cent, supported by strong sales trends in July and August and a successful Fall–Winter 2025 launch. Upcoming showcases in Japan and Korea are set to further consolidate global reach. The Spring–Summer 2026 campaign has been well received—men’s collections completed with strong orders, while women’s are still being collected but with highly favourable feedback. Management anticipates similar balanced growth of around 10 per cent in 2026, with healthy profitability.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
US Upland cotton sales up 36%, Pima down this week: USDA

According to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly export sales report, sales were mainly to Vietnam (109,700 RB, including 4,300 RB switched from Nicaragua, 1,300 RB switched from Thailand, and a decrease of 100 RB), India (53,800 RB), China (35,200 RB), Bangladesh (31,900 RB), and Mexico (6,900 RB), partly offset by reductions for Nicaragua (4,300 RB).
US net sales of Upland cotton rose 36 per cent week-on-week to 245,000 running bales (RB) for 2025–26 during the week ending August 28, 2025, led by Vietnam, India, China, Bangladesh and Mexico, according to USDA.
Export shipments totalled 154,700 RB, mainly to Vietnam.
Pima cotton sales fell to 1,600 RB from 3,900 RB, while shipments reached 4,400 RB, with India the top destination.
Export shipments of Upland cotton totalled 154,700 RB, primarily destined for Vietnam (82,800 RB), Pakistan (17,500 RB), Mexico (11,000 RB), Honduras (6,600 RB), and India (6,300 RB).
Net sales of Pima cotton amounted to 1,600 RB for 2025–26, down from 3,900 RB the previous week. The main buyers were India (1,100 RB), Peru (400 RB), and Indonesia (100 RB), partly offset by reductions for Switzerland (200 RB).
Export shipments of Pima totalled 4,400 RB, mainly to India (2,500 RB), Egypt (700 RB), Peru (500 RB), Indonesia (300 RB), and Slovenia (100 RB).
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
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