Topshop Makes a Triumphant Return to UK High Streets
Millennials, rejoice! The iconic fashion brand Topshop is staging a major comeback to physical retail after a five-year hiatus. From today, February 17, 2026, Topshop clothing will be available in 32 John Lewis stores across the United Kingdom. This marks a significant moment for a generation that has deeply missed the brand since its flagship Oxford Street store closed in 2021.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Brand
Topshop and its sister brand Topman have been absent from UK high streets since former owner Arcadia collapsed into administration in 2021. The brand was subsequently acquired by ASOS, where it has been sold exclusively online. However, the digital experience has never quite replicated the thrill of browsing racks in person. Michelle Wilson, managing director of Topshop, emphasized the importance of this physical return, stating, "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."
The John Lewis Partnership Details
The launch at John Lewis will feature a curated collection of 130 of Topshop's most in-demand pieces, prominently including their signature denim items. Topshop and Topman products will also be available across John Lewis's online platforms as part of this initiative. Wilson added, "Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect." The 32 participating John Lewis stores are located in key cities and towns, ensuring widespread accessibility.
List of Participating 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
Not the First Physical Retail Return
While this John Lewis partnership is a major expansion, it is not Topshop's first return to physical retail. Last year, the brand launched in Liberty, the famous department store on Regent's Street, near the original Topshop location. Lydia King, Liberty's group buying and merchandising director, highlighted the significance, saying, "Topshop was such a cultural destination for Oxford Circus and Soho, so I think our location is very important. To be a part of its return, when there's so much nostalgia about the location, and the brand, and the cultural moment, is really exciting." This collaboration echoes past partnerships, such as the 2009 Kate Moss for Topshop collection featuring Liberty prints.
The Road to Comeback and Future Prospects
Earlier in 2025, rumors of a Topshop comeback sparked excitement among fans, fueled by cryptic Instagram posts. These culminated in a dedicated Topshop website relaunch and a runway show in Trafalgar Square on August 16. The John Lewis deal raises questions about whether a standalone Topshop store might return in the future. For now, millennials are encouraged to assemble, grab their favorite Jonis jeans, and head to John Lewis to experience the brand's physical revival firsthand. This development represents a nostalgic yet forward-looking step for Topshop, blending its rich heritage with modern retail strategies.
