Breakfast briefing: Damsel in a Dress and Irish sales

The Foschini Group acquires Damsel in a Dress

The Foschini Group (TGF) has acquired womenswear brand Damsel in Dress, Drapers reported.

This takeover marks the third UK acquisition by TFG in the past two years, following Phase Eight and Whistles.

Victoria Snepp will take the role of creative director of Damsel in a Dress while Phase Eight brand director Judith Bremner will lead strategic direction.

TFG London managing director Lee Harlow said: “We see significant opportunity to develop the Damsel in a Dress brand in the UK and internationally, leveraging the network and relationships established within Phase Eight and Whistles.”

Irish retailers report low sales during Christmas

Retail sales in Ireland decreased 0.1% during Christmas compared with the previous year, Irish Mirror reported.

The decrease in sales in the second half of 2016 was owing to customers shopping more online with UK retailers.

The sales in department stores decreased 3.2%, computer sales reduced 4.2%, specialised food and drink shops' sales fell 4.1% and book sales 3.2%.

Furniture and homewares were the only sector that reported 3.1% year-on-year increase in sales in December.