'Iconic' fashion brand that disappeared from UK high streets makes Gloucestershire comeback
John Lewis has restored iconic fashion brand Topshop to Britain's high streets this week.The retailer, which shuttered its last remaining locations in 2021, made its debut across all 32 John Lewis branches yesterday (Tuesday).Cheltenham's Topshop, located in the Promenade, closed five years ago but the brand has now made a comeback in the town's branch of the department store chain.The significant rollout forms part of an extension of fresh brands ahead of the forthcoming spring/summer season, underpinned by John Lewis's £800m long-term investment programme throughout its retail estate, according to bosses.Last year, John Lewis announced a collaboration with Topshop, initially trialled via temporary pop-up installations across selected locations.Topshop and its companion brand Topman have been absent from Britain's high streets since previous owner Arcadia went into administration in 2021.The label was acquired by current proprietor Asos, which continued selling Topshop merchandise through its online platform.Last year saw the brand make a return to bricks-and-mortar retail with a debut at London's Liberty department store, before it announced its collaboration with John Lewis several weeks later, reports Business Live.Topshop will feature in all of John Lewis's 32 outlets, whilst Topman will be stocked in seven of its locations, though not in Cheltenham. The debut will showcase a selection of 130 of Topshop's "most in-demand pieces" including their distinctive denim range.Topshop and Topman merchandise will additionally be accessible via the John Lewis website as part of the rollout.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 initiative is launching alongside London Fashion Week and will be accompanied by a "takeover" of Piccadilly Circus in the capital, plus activations in other locations throughout the UK.The rollout arrives as part of the department store's efforts to boost growth whilst continuing with a substantial transformation programme under boss Peter Ruis.He stated the brand, which forms the John Lewis Partnership alongside supermarket chain Waitrose, is investing heavily in its fashion offering to support its current strategy.Mr 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 has revealed it's also launching 14 new fashion, jewellery and accessory labels ahead of this season as part of plans to broaden its fashion range.This follows a substantial redesign of the fashion floors at the retailer's Oxford Street flagship store.Topshop products will be available at the following 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.Topman will be available at:Oxford StreetBluewaterCambridgeCardiffLeedsReadingNewcastle
