Hobbs and Whistles owner investigates hack that may have exposed customer data

by | Oct 13, 2026 | Business

Hobbs and Whistles owner investigates hack that may have exposed customer data

TFG London announced that its three UK-based retail brands—Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, and an unnamed third retailer—experienced a cybersecurity incident identified on Sunday. The company stated that physical stores remained operational, but certain IT systems became unavailable and online ordering was suspended temporarily as a safety precaution.

The organization initiated an investigation to determine whether hackers accessed any personal or sensitive customer information. TFG engaged external cybersecurity specialists to contain the breach and reported the matter to relevant UK authorities. The company pledged to notify affected individuals or organizations if the investigation confirms that personal data was compromised. Other TFG brands, including Inside Story and White Stuff, were not affected by the attack.

Operations in Africa and Australia, which run on separate systems, remained unaffected. In an update to Whistles customers, the company indicated that orders placed on or after October 11 may experience delays, while earlier orders continued processing normally. In-store returns are currently available, with postal returns under development.

The incident occurred within a week of similar breaches affecting other major retailers. Asos disclosed a cyber-attack in which customer names, addresses, and search data were accessed. H&M launched an investigation into claimed attacks but reported finding no evidence of data compromise. Additionally, French supermarket chains faced an unprecedented cyber-attack that manipulated refrigerator temperatures. The timing of these incidents reflects broader vulnerabilities in the retail sector, where companies maintain extensive customer databases and interconnected payment and supply chain systems that create multiple potential entry points for attackers.

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