Clothes chains face storm in a D-cup

Three large department stores have been caught up in a storm in a D-cup.

Debenhams and House of Fraser — both of which have outlets in Ireland — and John Lewis have been accused of colluding with a lingerie firm to artificially uplift the price of the Shock Absorber sports bra.

If the stores are found to have boobed, they may have to shoulder punitive fines.

Britain’s Office of Fair Trading alleges that, between 2008 and 2011, supplier DB Apparel UK Limited plunged into nine nationwide anti-competitive deals with John Lewis, Britain’s biggest department store group; Debenhams; and House of Fraser.

The OFT has the power to fine offenders up to 10% of their annual worldwide turnover.

DB Apparel, Debenhams, and House of Fraser rejected the OFT’s allegations, while John Lewis said it “strives to operate within the law and comply with regulations”.

It said that, during the time in question, the Shock Absorber range had a British market share of about 15%.

DB Apparel refuted the OFT’s allegations. “We have been transparent with UK authorities since the beginning of this process,” it said.

Debenhams also disputed the OFT’s findings.

A spokeswoman for House of Fraser said: “We are confident that we have been operating within all laws and regulations and are very supportive of any initiative which ensures pricing policies are fair for our customers.”