Frasers Group plc (“Frasers Group” or the “the Group”) announces the acquisition of Swindon Designer Outlet, marking a meaningful step towards achieving the Group’s vision of building the planet’s most admired and compelling brand ecosystem.

Through acquisitions of strategic physical retail locations like Swindon, Frasers Group supports key brand partners’ outlet strategies – including Nike, adidas, BOSS – and aims to serve consumers across the UK with the best value and product offerings.

Swindon Designer Outlet, which opened in 1997, totals 250,000 sq. ft and attracts over 3 million visitors annually. This announcement follows just a month after the Group’s strategic acquisition of Braehead Shopping Centre and highlights Frasers Group’s steadfast approach to expanding its property portfolio.

Frasers Group has acquired Swindon Designer Outlet as part of its strategy to build a leading global brand ecosystem.
The 250,000 square feet centre draws over 3 million annual visitors and supports key outlet partners such as Nike, Adidas and Boss.
CEO Michael Murray said the move strengthens the group’s property strategy and expands opportunities for its brands and partners.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, comments: “Physical retail is central to our Elevation Strategy and investing in Swindon – one of the UK’s top five outlets by footfall – strengthens our position as both retailer and landlord. This acquisition reinforces our property strategy and unlocks new opportunities for our brands and our partners.”

Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, Executive Director, Head of National Agency at CBRE on this acquisition.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)

India’s GDP is expected to grow at 6.9 per cent year on year in fiscal 2027 (FY27), moderating from an estimated 7.4 per cent in FY26, as the economy navigates global uncertainties led by higher US tariffs and slower trade growth, according to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra).

Domestic reforms, including the income tax cut announced in the FY26 budget, GST rationalisation and recently concluded trade agreements with Oman, the UK and New Zealand, would help cushion external headwinds, Ind-Ra said.

India Ratings and Research has projected India’s GDP growth to slow to 6.9 per cent in FY27 from an estimated 7.4 per cent in FY26, citing global trade weakness, US tariffs and weather risks.
Domestic reforms, tax cuts and GST rationalisation are seen supporting consumption and investment, while inflation is projected to remain within the RBI’s target, allowing limited further rate cuts.

Consumption is expected to remain the key demand driver, with private final consumption expenditure projected to grow 7.6 per cent in FY27, supported by low inflation, improving real wages and tax relief. Investment growth is forecast at 7.8 per cent, led mainly by sustained government capital expenditure, while private capex may be uneven across sectors.

Ind-Ra noted that while US tariffs on Indian goods remain elevated, their overall impact on growth is now lower than earlier estimates. The International Monetary Fund expects global GDP growth of 3.2 per cent in 2025, marginally below previous forecasts.

Inflation is projected to stay benign, with CPI averaging 3.8 per cent in FY27, within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range. Ind-Ra expects limited further policy easing, with rate cuts unlikely to exceed 25 basis points.

On fiscal metrics, the agency expects the Union government’s debt-to-GDP ratio to decline to 55.5 per cent in FY27, while the current account deficit is projected to widen slightly to 1.5 per cent of GDP, amid higher imports and export volatility driven by US trade policies.

“Major headwinds include: i) the El Niño pattern from mid-2026, ii) a weak currency due to weak capital flows, iii) sluggish global trade growth, iv) strong growth in FY26 (base effect), and v) slower growth of net production taxes due to GST rationalisation. Another emerging headwind is artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Devendra Kumar Pant, chief economist and head public finance, Ind-Ra.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)

Estée Lauder has named British actress Daisy Edgar-Jones as its latest global brand ambassador, to represent Estée Lauder skin care, makeup, and fragrance, with her first campaign for the business set to debut on February 2.

 
“As an actress, I love how makeup can tell a story of who we are,” said Edgar-Jones in a press release on January 8. “I have always admired how Estée Lauder celebrates confidence and individuality in women. The legacy, elegance, and strength of the brand is so inspiring. It feels surreal to be part of the Estée Lauder family- and it truly feels like a family.”
 
Edgar-Jones will star in print, digital, and in-store campaigns for Estée Lauder. Known for her roles spanning film, television, and theatre, the actress joins global talents including Ana de Armas, Bianca Brandolini, Carolyn Murphy, Imaan Hammam, Paulina Porizkova, and Yang Mi as an ambassador for the brand.

“Daisy is very much the breakout star of her generation,” said Justin Boxford, Estée Lauder’s global brand president. “Not only is she an incredibly gifted actress, but she embodies the ethos of the Estée Lauder brand. She is aspirational yet approachable, and her confident, youthful spirit and innate sense of style will inspire consumers across generations. We’re thrilled to welcome Daisy as our newest Estée Lauder global brand ambassador.”
 
Edgar-Jones garnered acclaim for her 2020 performance in the Emmy Award-nominated television series Normal People and has starred in films including Where the Crawdads Sing, Twisters, and On Swift Horses. The actress’ upcoming releases include Sense and Sensibility, A Place in Hell, and Here Comes the Flood, which she is currently filming.