Topshop is making a comeback to the UK high street through a new collaboration with John Lewis. After closing its standalone stores in 2021, the renowned fashion brand is set to be featured in all 32 department stores of John Lewis, as well as on their website, with Topman products available in seven of the stores.
This reintroduction will showcase a curated collection of 130 of Topshop’s most sought-after items, including their iconic denim pieces. The decision to bring back Topshop was finalized last year following successful pop-up ventures in various John Lewis outlets. This move is part of John Lewis’s substantial £800 million investment in welcoming new brands for the upcoming spring/summer season.
Topshop and its sibling brand, Topman, disappeared from UK high streets after the collapse of their former owner Arcadia in 2021. The brands were later acquired by ASOS, which initially sold Topshop products online. Topshop made its return to Oxford Street in London last year with a launch at the department store Liberty.
Michelle Wilson, the managing director of Topshop, expressed the excitement surrounding the return, stating, “Today is about making the Topshop and Topman pieces more accessible to our customers. From our iconic denim to the latest footwear styles, customers can see, touch, and take home their favorite items on the same day. Partnering with John Lewis enables us to bring Topshop back to high streets nationwide with the exceptional service our customers expect.”
The relaunch coincides with London Fashion Week and will be followed by a prominent presence at Piccadilly Circus in London and activations in other locations across the UK. This initiative aligns with John Lewis’s ongoing efforts to enhance its growth trajectory as it embarks on a significant transformation plan under the leadership of Peter Ruis.
Ruis, the managing director of John Lewis, emphasized the brand’s commitment to enhancing its fashion offerings to support the current strategic direction. He stated, “This moment signifies a substantial leap in our fashion aspirations at John Lewis. Being the exclusive destination for an iconic brand like Topshop, alongside other exciting new labels, underscores our dedication to becoming the leading style authority on the British high street.”
Additionally, John Lewis announced the introduction of 14 new fashion, jewelry, and accessory brands ahead of the upcoming season. The move showcases the retailer’s continuous efforts to evolve its fashion portfolio and cater to the evolving preferences of its clientele.