Cartier, the iconic French luxury jewellery brand owned by Richemont, has confirmed that it suffered a cyberattack in which some client information was compromised, Reuters news report said.
The company revealed that an “unauthorised party gained temporary access to our system,” leading to the theft of “limited client information” including names, email addresses, and countries of residence. However, Cartier assured customers that no passwords, credit card numbers, or banking information were exposed during the breach.
In response to the incident, Cartier said it has contained the breach, strengthened its cybersecurity measures, and notified relevant authorities. The company is also collaborating with leading external cybersecurity experts to investigate and mitigate the impact of the attack. Cartier did not reveal the name of technology service provider which is responsible for protecting the company from cyber security incidents.
Cartier’s total sales rose 4 percent to 21.4 billion euros in 2024.
Cartier reported a significant uptick in its online retail sales, highlighting the growing importance of digital channels in the luxury sector. According to the company’s latest financial disclosures, online retail sales — excluding those from YNAP — rose by 11 percent year-on-year, driven largely by strong performance from the Jewellery Maisons and other business areas.
This growth outpaced the Group’s overall sales increase of 4 percent, underlining the robust demand in e-commerce despite broader macroeconomic challenges. Cartier’s digital expansion reflects a wider trend in the luxury industry, where high-end consumers are increasingly engaging with brands online.
Despite this upward trajectory, online sales accounted for just 6 percent of total Group sales, suggesting significant room for further expansion. The performance was buoyed by growth across nearly all regions, with the exception of Asia Pacific, where sales were impacted by regional economic softness.
The rise in online sales contributed to the broader 76 percent share of direct-to-client sales —encompassing both retail and online channels — demonstrating the brand’s strategic shift towards tighter control over customer relationships and experiences.
The breach adds Cartier to a growing list of high-profile retail and luxury brands targeted by cybercriminals. Just last month, British retailer Marks & Spencer disclosed that a “highly sophisticated and targeted” cyberattack in April could cost the company an estimated £300 million ($405 million) in lost profits.
Other recent victims include French fashion house Dior, owned by LVMH, which reported a similar customer data breach, and VF Corporation’s The North Face brand, which warned users of a “small-scale” attack involving credential stuffing. London’s Harrods and the Co-op Group have also disclosed attempted breaches in recent weeks.
InfotechLead.com News Desk
