Did someone say 2016 is back?
After years of online-only limbo, Topshop has officially returned to the UK high street, landing in 32 stores nationwide via an exclusive tie-up with John Lewis. Yes, you can finally try it on again.
The comeback marks the brand’s first major physical retail moment since its former parent company Arcadia Group collapsed into administration in 2020, leading to store closures in 2021. While ASOS acquired Topshop and kept it alive digitally, the appetite for a bricks-and-mortar return never really left.
The in-store edit is tight: around 130 pieces spotlighting Topshop’s cult denim (obviously), alongside dresses and new-season footwear. Sister label Topman is also re-entering the chat, albeit in a limited capacity, stocked in just seven locations.
The timing isn’t accidental. The relaunch coincides with London Fashion Week, followed by a Piccadilly Circus takeover and nationwide activations designed to signal more than just shelf space, this is positioning. For John Lewis Partnership, the move feeds directly into its £800 million transformation strategy and renewed fashion ambition.
The bigger question? Whether this return can restore Topshop’s cultural relevance, not just its retail footprint. Nostalgia is powerful, but the high street has changed. Still, one thing’s certain: the fitting rooms are open again. Run, don’t walk.
PHOTO CREDIT: LightRocket via Getty Images
