Topshop is making a comeback to the UK high street through a new collaboration with John Lewis. The renowned fashion brand, which shuttered its standalone stores in 2021, will now be featured in all 32 department stores of John Lewis and on its online platform. Additionally, Topman products will be accessible in seven of these stores.
This reintroduction includes a curated selection of 130 of Topshop’s most sought-after items, with a focus on their popular denim offerings. The partnership was officially announced last year after successful trial pop-up events at various John Lewis locations. It is part of a substantial £800 million investment by John Lewis to introduce new brands for the upcoming spring/summer season.
Topshop and its sibling brand Topman exited the UK high street following the administration of their previous owner, Arcadia, in 2021. The brand was subsequently acquired by ASOS, which initially sold Topshop products exclusively online. Topshop made a physical return to London’s Oxford Street last year, launching at department store Liberty.
Michelle Wilson, the managing director of Topshop, expressed excitement about the collaboration with John Lewis. She emphasized the convenience for customers to access their favorite Topshop and Topman pieces, from classic denim to trendy footwear, and take them home the same day. Wilson highlighted that partnering with John Lewis aligns with their commitment to providing top-notch service to customers.
This strategic move coincides with London Fashion Week and will be followed by a prominent presence at Piccadilly Circus in London, along with activations in various locations across the UK. John Lewis aims to bolster its growth through this initiative, as part of a broader transformation plan led by CEO Peter Ruis.
Ruis emphasized the investment in enhancing the fashion offerings of the John Lewis Partnership, which includes Waitrose supermarkets. He underscored the significance of becoming the exclusive home of iconic brands like Topshop, signaling their aspiration to be a leading style authority on the British high street.
In line with its fashion expansion, John Lewis is also set to introduce 14 new fashion, jewelry, and accessory labels in the upcoming season. This move reflects the retailer’s commitment to staying at the forefront of fashion trends and catering to the evolving preferences of its customers.