Fashion retailer LK Bennett is set to close all of its standalone stores after the company entered administration, with 9 shops shutting by spring 2026
It’s the brand loved by Kate Middleton, but UK fashion retailer LK Bennett is set to shut all of its standalone stores after the company entered administration, placing dozens of jobs at risk.
As of February 2026, the business is in administration and, whilst the LK Bennett brand has been acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers, the agreement did not include the retailer’s physical shop estate.
Consequently, all remaining stores are expected to close permanently by spring 2026. Administrators say the nine standalone shops and 13 department store concessions will continue trading for up to three months, meaning closures are likely by April 2026.
The following nine locations have been identified as being at risk of closure:.
- London – New Bond Street
- London – Knightsbridge
- London – Canary Wharf
- London – Duke of York Square, Chelsea
- London – Westfield White City
- Richmond
- Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent
- Chester
- Harrogate
LK Bennett concessions, stores operating inside larger department stores, are also expected to trade for a limited period of up to three months. These include locations within John Lewis, Fenwick, Bentalls, Jarrolds, Hoopers, De Gruchy, and Arnotts & Brown Thomas across the UK and Ireland, reports the Express.
The closures could lead to up to 89 redundancies, according to Drapers. LK Bennett employs around 145 staff across the UK and Ireland, with 89 working within the store and concession estate.
It remains unclear whether the company’s 56 head office staff will remain with the business following the acquisition. John Noon, joint administrator and senior director at Alvarez & Marsal, stated that the plan was to keep stores trading temporarily whilst winding down operations.
He said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction, which will preserve the LK Bennett brand and its heritage of craftsmanship and quality.
Founded in London and long associated with premium womenswear, LK Bennett is best known for its footwear, tailoring and occasionwear. While the brand itself will continue under new ownership, its presence on the UK high street now appears set to come to an end.
It comes after fashion retailer Quiz has confirmed it is entering administration, placing 44 stores across the UK and roughly 1,000 jobs at risk. According to The Telegraph, the chain has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
Quiz’s website shows its 44 branches in various locations throughout the UK, including stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester alongside 41 additional concessions. Just days earlier, Quiz had revealed it was exploring several options to secure its future following “disappointing” Christmas trading.
A Quiz spokesperson confirmed that its stores remain open and operations continue as normal for the time being. If this proceeds, it would mark the third time in six years that Quiz has entered administration. The founding Ramzan family had previously placed the business into administration less than twelve months ago, resulting in 23 store closures, before buying back the remaining assets through a pre-pack arrangement.
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