John Lewis has announced a significant expansion of its fashion business, led by the return of Topshop to 32 stores nationwide and the introduction of 14 new brands for the coming season.
The move forms part of a broader £800m multi-year investment programme aimed at elevating the John Lewis shopping experience nationwide. It follows the completion of a major redesign of the fashion floors at the retailer’s Oxford Street flagship, described as a brand-wide commitment to investing in the in-store experience.
Topshop returns to physical retail
From 17 February, Topshop is exclusively available across 32 John Lewis stores, marking its return to bricks-and-mortar retail after a five-year absence from the high street. Topshop is also now available via johnlewis.com and the John Lewis app.
The 32 stores are:
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Newcastle
Leeds
Liverpool
Trafford (Manchester)
Cheadle (Manchester)
Cardiff
Nottingham
Leicester
Solihull
Cheltenham
Norwich
Cambridge
Welwyn
Milton Keynes
Chelmsford
Cribbs Causeway (Bristol)
Exeter
Oxford
High Wycombe
Reading
Bluewater (Kent)
Horsham
Southampton
Brent Cross
Stratford
Canary Wharf
Oxford Street
Peter Jones
White City
Kingston
Topman is stocked in seven stores, offering a focused edit of menswear:
Oxford Street
Bluewater
Cambridge
Cardiff
Leeds
Reading
Newcastle
The in-store collection comprises 130 of Topshop’s most in-demand pieces, spanning signature denim through to footwear.
To support the launch, John Lewis has planned a series of activations. At Oxford Street, customers can visit a dedicated Topshop kiosk outside the store and receive a complimentary matcha while browsing styles featured in the Topshop Times newspaper. In partnership with the British Fashion Council and aligned with London Fashion Week, the launch includes a Piccadilly Circus takeover featuring a live music performance. Further activity is scheduled in Manchester and Liverpool later this month.
“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.”
Peter Ruis, Managing Director, John Lewis
“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.”
Michelle Wilson, Managing Director, Topshop
14 new brands join the fashion line-up
Alongside the return of Topshop and Topman, John Lewis is introducing 14 new brands as it broadens its contemporary and premium fashion offer.
New jewellery and accessories brands include Naghedi, MM6, Missoma and CompletedWorks. Womenswear additions include Samsoe Samsoe, MOTHER, St Agni, Aje, Ida Sjostedt and Faithful. Menswear newcomers comprise Belstaff, Percival, Parlez, OAS, Patagonia and Stetson.
The retailer has also confirmed new exclusive collaborations with Amanda Wakeley, while Rejina Pyo and LABRUM return with their second collections.
In own brand, the J. Lewis menswear collection will expand into womenswear following its initial launch.
Store transformation programme
The redesign of the Oxford Street fashion floors forms part of a wider transformation of the store, with the intention of creating a premium retail and leisure destination.
The womenswear floor has been reconfigured to include an elevated zone dedicated to premium brands. Work on the menswear floor is scheduled for completion in the coming months.
The investment programme also includes the rollout of a multi-sensory Beauty Hall concept in Liverpool and the introduction of a Gifting Emporium and Home concept at Bluewater, as part of a broader strategy to reposition the John Lewis estate.
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