Struggling British department store Harvey Nichols entered administration recently but has now been saved by new ownership, with an update for customers being posted on its website.
While its UK shops will stay open during its transition, it warned that its website has shut down temporarily and that gift cards and returns can’t be refunded via the usual method at the moment.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has bought Harvey Nichols, and bosses at the Sports Direct owner said they will now oversee a turnaround at the historic chain, which could see it become a "smaller business" in the short term.
Frasers will now oversee a "significant restructuring" as it integrates Harvey Nichols into its wider group, with plans to review the retailer’s shop portfolio, organisation structure, operating model, and costs.
UK high street shops that no longer exist
Addressing its new ownership, Harvey Nichols says on its website: "We are pleased to confirm that Harvey Nichols has entered an exciting new chapter with new ownership, supporting its future, under the Frasers Group.
"Harvey Nichols is currently unavailable online whilst we complete a period of transition.
"In the meantime, our stores remain open, and our teams are on hand to assist with anything you may need.
"Thank you for your continued support."
When it comes to online orders and gift cards bought before August 13, 2026, customers are asked to contact the retailer, which has been around for 195 years.
It explains: "Orders placed and Gift Cards purchased prior to 13 August 2026 fall under the ownership structure preceding this transition.
"Refunds relating to these orders cannot be processed by Harvey Nichols directly; customers with an outstanding refund from this period are asked to contact HNCustomers@fticonsulting.com.
"Orders placed from 13 August 2026 onwards will be processed under our standard refunds and returns policy."
What happens when a company goes into administration?
When emailing Harvey Nichols, The Sun reports that customers will receive an automated reply, which reads: "If you purchased goods from Harvey Nichols prior to 13 August 2026 and are seeking a refund, we would encourage you, in the first instance, to contact your credit card provider to understand whether you may be entitled to make a claim through them under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or through a chargeback process.
"Given the likely timing of any dividend in the Administrations, this may be a more immediate route to recovery for you."
Shoppers "may also be entitled to submit an unsecured claim in the Administration estate."
The deal includes the brand’s six stores in Knightsbridge London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Edinburgh.
Securing the future of more than 1,000 workers, the rescue deal will also include Harvey Nichols’ online business and its product inventory.
Harvey Nichols’ international franchise stores will continue to trade as part of the deal.
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Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026
It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.
Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire's and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.
UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation.
Whitbread recently confirmed it will be closing all its UK restaurants in September:
- Brewers Fayre (89 locations) - September 7
- Beefeater (106) - September 10
- Bar + Block - September 3
- Table Table - September 3
- Cookhouse + Pub - September 3
TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also both be closing around 150 stores across the UK.
Other retailers who have had to close stores this year include River Island, Primark and Poundland.
Have you shopped at Harvey Nichols before? Tell us in the comments below.
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