Major fashion brand returns to Exeter after five-year absence
John Lewis is set to restore iconic fashion name Topshop to Britain's high streets this week.The label, whose last independent bricks-and-mortar shops shut their doors in 2021, made its debut across all 32 John Lewis department stores yesterday (Tuesday).Topshop closed in Exeter five years ago, shutting its doors in the Princesshay Shopping Centre before the site was taken on by homeware and fashion store Rosie Rose in 2024, which shut just four months later.John Lewis says the significant rollout forms part of a broader introduction of fresh brands ahead of the spring/summer season, supported by the department store's substantial £800m long-term investment programme in its retail spaces.The chain announced its collaboration with Topshop last year, initially trialling the partnership through pop-up installations in select John Lewis locations.Both Topshop and its companion label Topman vanished from Britain's shopping districts following the collapse of previous owner Arcadia into administration in 2021. Online retailer Asos subsequently acquired the brand, offering Topshop merchandise through its digital platform.Physical retail from the brand only returned last year, first appearing at London's Liberty department store before the John Lewis partnership was announced shortly afterwards, reports Business Live.Customers will find Topshop stocked in all 32 John Lewis outlets, whilst Topman will feature in seven locations, but not Exeter. The initial offering comprises 130 of Topshop's "most in-demand pieces" including their celebrated denim range.Both Topshop and Topman merchandise will additionally be accessible through John Lewis's digital channels as the rollout commences.Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop, commented: "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 partnership's launch has been timed to coincide with London Fashion Week and will include a "takeover" of Piccadilly Circus, alongside additional promotional events throughout the country.The collaboration forms part of the department store's growth strategy under the leadership of boss Peter Ruis, who is overseeing a significant transformation programme.The retailer, which operates alongside supermarket Waitrose within the John Lewis Partnership, is pumping investment into its fashion department as a cornerstone of its current strategic direction.Mr Ruis, managing director of John Lewis, commented: "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."The department store has also announced the introduction of 14 additional fashion, jewellery and accessory brands this season as it bolsters its clothing range.The expansion follows an extensive refurbishment of the fashion departments at its flagship Oxford Street location.Topshop products will be stocked at these John Lewis branches:.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 in:Oxford StreetBluewaterCambridgeCardiffLeedsReadingNewcastle
