Selfridges’ retail strategy for 2025 marks a significant strategic shift as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquired a 40% stake, raising concerns about potential economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime and ethical funding practices.

The acquisition of a 40% stake in Selfridges by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has raised concerns about the retailer’s potential complicity in authoritarian practices due to the fund's problematic human rights record and its possible influence on public policy.

Selfridges Group's new partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Thailand's Central Group—where PIF acquires a 40% stake—raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective about economic collaboration with authoritarian regimes. Critics argue that engaging with PIF may indirectly facilitate the financial empowerment of a regime known for human rights abuses and authoritarian policies, challenging the ethical responsibilities of luxury retailers.

Selfridges & Co.'s new investment deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, acquiring a 40% stake in the company through a partnership with Central Group, raises concerns over economic collaboration with an authoritarian regime. Critics argue that such financial engagements may indirectly bolster state actors known for repressive practices.

Selfridges has published comprehensive ethical trade requirements aimed at ensuring humane labor practices, robust supplier due diligence, and sustainable supply chain standards, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in its business operations.

Selfridges has reaffirmed its commitment against modern slavery through its comprehensive corporate policy on modern day slavery. The company emphasizes respect, protection, and support for everyone in its workforce and supply chain. This initiative, embedded in its sustainability program, reflects a proactive stance on upholding labor rights and ethical supply chain practices.

Selfridges has released its first sustainability impact report under its Project Earth initiative, highlighting efforts to reform its global supply chain. While the strategy aims to transform supplier practices through extensive sustainability assessments, only 950 of 4,900 suppliers have completed the process, showing that progress remains incremental.