TOPSHOP is officially back, and it has chosen one of the UK’s most iconic fashion destinations for its big return to the high street.
The British brand, once a staple for teens and twenty-somethings, has confirmed Liberty will be its first UK stockist.
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The news was teased on social media with a short video showing the famous Liberty façade and W1 postcode, sparking frenzied speculation among fans.
Liberty later confirmed the collaboration, with its group buying and merchandising director Lydia King describing the partnership as “really exciting,” referencing the nostalgia surrounding Topshop’s cultural heyday in London.
It marks the first time in four years that shoppers will be able to buy Topshop clothing in a UK store, after the collapse of Arcadia and its 2021 takeover by Asos forced the chain entirely online.
The comeback follows last week’s relaunch of Topshop’s standalone website, separate from Asos, with a 40-piece collection fronted by model Cara Delevingne.
The line, featuring fresh staples, was showcased in a fashion show at London’s Trafalgar Square and was Topshop’s first runway outing since 2018.
Fans can also shop old favourites like its much-loved skinny jeans.
Internationally, Topshop is re-establishing itself through partnerships with Irish department stores McElhinneys and Shaws, France’s Printemps and Denmark’s Magasin du Nord.
But the Liberty tie-up is the brand’s most significant move yet, signalling its official return to the British high street.
Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop and Topman, had hinted earlier this year that the brand was planning a “semi-permanent presence” in the UK.
She also stressed the new era of Topshop won’t be a copy of the old model, but a reimagined brand fit for 2025, aiming to compete in today’s fast-changing fashion landscape.
WHAT HAPPENED TO TOPSHOP?
The rise of e-commerce and the shift in consumer behavior towards online shopping caught the brand off guard.
While competitors like Zara and H&M quickly adapted to the digital landscape, Topshop struggled to keep pace.
Additionally, the brand faced criticism for its fast fashion model, which became increasingly scrutinised for its environmental impact and labour practices.
The rise of more ethical and sustainable fashion brands further eroded Topshop’s market share.
Financial troubles began to surface within the Arcadia Group, exacerbated by Sir Philip Green’s controversial business practices and personal scandals.
In 2019, Arcadia Group entered a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to restructure its debts, leading to the closure of several Topshop stores.
Now, with Liberty on board and a brand-new website up and running, the label that once defined a generation is banking on nostalgia and reinvention to win back shoppers.
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