Topshop returns to Trafford Centre in John Lewis partnership

The fashion brand, which shut its last standalone shops in 2021, will now occupy space in the John Lewis department store as part of its spring/summer expansion.

The move follows John Lewis’ long-term investment plan, seeing £800 million funnelled into its stores.

John Lewis’ partnership with Topshop, which was confirmed by the John Lewis Partnership last year, initially saw the fashion retailer open pop-ups in several of its stores.

The high street absence of Topshop and its sister brand, Topman, dates back to 2021 when their former owner, Arcadia, went into administration.

Following this collapse, the brand was bought by Asos, which continued to sell Topshop products online.

Topshop’s initial return to a physical retail environment occurred last year with its launch in Liberty, London, before announcing its collaboration with John Lewis weeks after.

Now, the fashion brand will have a more pronounced presence across all of John Lewis’ UK stores.

However, Topman will only be available in seven stores.

The Trafford Centre isn’t the only Manchester site to be welcoming Topshop back, the John Lewis store in Cheadle will also see its return.

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 launch comes amid efforts from the department store chain to drive its growth as it continues with a major transformation plan under boss Peter Ruis.

He said the brand, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose, is investing in its fashion offer to help drive 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 will also introduce 14 new fashion, jewellery and accessory labels ahead of this season amid efforts to expand its fashion offer.

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