Topshop has returned to physical UK high street retail locations from today, February 17 through a nationwide partnership with John Lewis.
The brand will be stocked across all 32 John Lewis department stores, marking its first large scale return to physical retail since the collapse of the Arcadia retail group in 2021.
The move represents the first full physical retail rollout for the brand since it was acquired by ASOS following Arcadia’s administration.
Topshop has continued operating online under ASOS ownership, but physical store access has remained limited since 2021.
A limited return to physical retail began last year when the brand launched a temporary presence inside the Liberty London department store.
The new partnership will see John Lewis stock 130 of Topshop’s best selling clothing items across its full UK store network.
The collection will include the brand’s denim range alongside footwear and seasonal fashion items.
Topman will also be included in the partnership but will initially be stocked in seven John Lewis locations rather than the full estate.
Fashion brand will relaunch in department stores nationwide for the first time since 2021
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Both Topshop and Topman ranges will also be available to purchase through the John Lewis website.
The rollout is designed to provide national in store access to the brand for the first time in several years.
Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop, said: “Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love.
“From our cult denim to new season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day.
“Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.”
The launch coincides with the February schedule of fashion industry events including shows taking place during London Fashion Week.
Topshop and Topman disappeared from highstreets five years ago
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GETTYTopshop has also announced marketing events including promotional activity in Piccadilly Circus and other UK locations to support the relaunch.
John Lewis said the partnership forms part of a wider strategy to expand its fashion offering across its department store estate.
Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis, said: “This moment marks a significant acceleration of our fashion ambition at John Lewis.
“To be the exclusive home of an iconic brand like Topshop, sat alongside other exciting new brands, signals our commitment to be the definitive style authority on the British high street.”
John Lewis is currently investing £800million across its stores as part of a wider business transformation programme.
The retailer is also introducing 14 new fashion, jewellery and accessories brands during the current retail season.
These additions follow refurbishment work across fashion departments including redevelopment of the company’s flagship Oxford Street store.
Retail analysts have said brand partnerships are becoming an increasingly common strategy for department stores seeking to attract younger customers.
Physical retail partnerships are also being used by online first brands to increase visibility and expand customer reach.
Industry data shows fashion brands that maintain both online and physical retail channels can benefit from increased brand recognition and higher customer engagement.
Department store operators have increasingly focused on exclusive brand partnerships as part of efforts to differentiate themselves from online competitors.
Fashion retail activity across UK high streets has remained under pressure in recent years following changes in consumer shopping habits and rising operating costs.
Retail industry groups have said partnerships between established department stores and well known fashion brands are expected to continue as part of wider high street recovery strategies.
John Lewis said it will continue reviewing further opportunities to expand fashion partnerships across its store network.
Topshop said the partnership is designed to improve customer access to its products through both physical and online retail channels.
The return of major fashion brands to physical retail locations is being closely monitored by industry observers as a potential indicator of wider high street retail recovery.
John Lewis will host Topshop
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GETTYTopshop products will be available at these John Lewis stores:
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Newcastle
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- Trafford, Manchester
- Cheadle, Manchester
- Cardiff, Wales
- Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
- Leicester, Leicestershire
- Solihull, West Midlands
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Welwyn, Hertfordshire
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
- Chelmsford, Essex
- Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
- Exeter, Devon
- Oxford, Oxfordshire
- High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
- Reading, Berkshire
- Bluewater Kent
- Horsham, West Sussex
- Southampton, Hampshire
- Brent Cross, London
- Stratford, London
- Canary Wharf, London
- Oxford Street, London
- Peter Jones, London
- White City, London
- Kingston, London
