Topshop and Topman will return to the high street more than four years after the retail giants closed their bricks and mortar outlets. The stores closed in 2021 after the collapse of their previous owner, Arcadia Group. This included Topshop’s flagship store in London’s Oxford Street, which caused a sensation when it first welcomed customers through its doors in 1994. Kate Moss’s collection and the red dress she wore in the window for the launch created a buzz which has gone down in retail history.
After Arcadia went to the wall, Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge were bought by the online fashion giant ASOS for a combined £330million price tag. ASOS sold a 75% stake in Topshop and Topman in September, forming a joint venture with the Danish holding company, Heartland. ASOS said at the time that it planned to relaunch Topshop.com and Topman.com this summer.
Topshop and Topman Managing Director Michelle Wilson told Drapers magazine: “We will have a permanent store presence at some point. That’s something we’re working on all the time.”
She told the publication that in the shorter term this would involve “support” from partners, but long term the company will do “something standalone”.
Ms Wilson confirmed both Topshop and Topman would make their high street comeback in the autumn through a wholesale partner.
The MD said: “I think the partner we are collaborating with is an incredible partner. I think it will surprise a few people. I’m looking forward to the day that we launch that and seeing people’s reaction and excitement.”
Ms Wilson pointed to the success of a Topshop pop-up at Defected Records in east London as cementing expectations there was demand for the brand to be brought “back in real life again”.
She cautioned, however, that Topshop’s owners aren’t looking to recreate the brand’s former offer entirely, but to focus on taking the best of the retailer and updating it for today.
Part of the focus looks set to be providing customers with opprtunities to meet rather than just shopping, which they can do online anyway.
Ms Wilson said the aim would be to bring “the best of fashion” with quality products at accessible prices for everyone, rather than just one target age range.
She said traditional favourites, including the Jamie and Joni jeans, would still be on sale as well as recent bestsellers such as the wide-leg Cinch jean.
