Topshop is returning to high streets across the country, including Kingston's, as part of a nation-wide collaboration with John Lewis.

The fashion retailer, which closed its last independent high street locations in 2021, has launched collections across all 32 John Lewis department stores today (Tuesday, 17 February).

The significant rollout forms part of a broader expansion of new brands ahead of the spring/summer season, as John Lewis pursues its £800 million long-term investment programme across its stores. 

The John Lewis Partnership announced last year a collaboration between the established department store chain and Topshop, which initially began with pop-up installations in selected John Lewis locations.

Both Topshop and its sister label Topman have been absent from British high streets since previous owner Arcadia entered administration in 2021. Online retailer Asos acquired the brand and continued selling Topshop merchandise through its digital platform.

However, the brand made its return to bricks-and-mortar retail last year with a debut at London's Liberty department store, before announcing its John Lewis partnership shortly afterwards.

To celebrate the launch, John Lewis is due to host a number of activations, including a Topshop kiosk at its Oxford Street site; a Piccadilly Circus takeover during London Fashion Week; and further events at its Manchester and Liverpool stores, to be held later this month.

Topshop will feature in all 32 John Lewis shops, whilst Topman will be stocked in seven locations, not including the Kingston store.

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The launch encompasses a curated selection of 130 of Topshop's "most in-demand pieces" including its iconic denim range. Both Topshop and Topman merchandise will also be accessible through John Lewis's digital channels 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."

This launch is part of John Lewis' chain's strategy to boost its growth as it continues with a significant transformation plan under the leadership of Peter Ruis.

Ruis, the managing director of John Lewis, stated that the brand, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership along with supermarket chain Waitrose, is investing in its fashion range to support its current strategy.

In a statement, Ruis 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."

The addition of Topshop falls alongside the introduction of a further 14 fashion brands to the John Lewis roster.

Among those being added to the shop floor are Samsoe Samsoe, Mother, St Agni, Aje, Ida Sjostedt, and Faithful for womenswear, alongside Belstaff, Percival, Parlez, OAS, Patagonia, and Stetson for menswear. The retailer will also be expanding its own-brand menswear line J. Lewis into womenswear.

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