The British menswear brand shut all 66 of its stores back in 2020 after collapsing for the first time during the Covid pandemic, when it then become a digital brand before collapsing again in 2022
British menswear retailer TM Lewin is set to return to the high street – five years after collapsing into administration. The iconic brand shut all 66 of its stores back in 2020 after collapsing for the first time during the Covid pandemic, with 700 workers laid off as a result.
The shirtmaker was bought out of administration in 2020 by Torque Brands, but then collapsed for a second time in 2022, when it was then rescued by TM Lewin Shirtmaker Limited, a company owned by its main lender, Petra Group. Its online store reopened six weeks later – and now, TM Lewin has announced its return to the high street with a brand new store.
The retailer has opened a flagship store on Bow Lane in the City of London. The brand took to Instagram to say: “We cannot wait to welcome you to our first retail store after a challenging five years.
“We believe the saying goes ‘nothing that comes easy is worth having’ so here’s to that. Thank you for your patience, loyalty and kindness throughout, and roll the next chapter. The best is yet to come…”
Dan Ferris, managing director of TM Lewin, said: “We are thrilled to open our new store on Bow Lane, in the heart of the City of London. This flagship location is a key part of our strategy to connect with the next generation of customers who value high quality, tailored menswear that complements their busy, modern lifestyles. Our aim is to offer a more personalised and immersive experience that enhances our online presence.”
TM Lewin was founded in 1898 by Thomas Mayes Lewin and Geoffrey James Lewin and is famous for selling shirts and suits. The business operated 150 shops before the Covid pandemic. Latest documents filed to Companies House shows the amount TM Lewis owed to suppliers and other creditors rose from £24.6million to £33.8million between June 30 and the end of December last year.
TM Lewin isn’t the only big name to return to the high street. Fashion and homeware chain Cath Kidston, known for its vintage-inspired designs and floral patterns, opened a new store in London in October last year, having closed its final shops in June 2023 after collapsing into administration.
The retailer confirmed the news on its Instagram page, with a post that read: “Why yes. Yes, you guessed right. We do indeed we have a new home opening soon. Can anyone tell where in London we’ll be opening our doors?” Cath Kidston collapsed into administration in 2020 with the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs.
It was rescued by private investment firm Baring Private Equity Asia, which then sold the business to restructuring firm Hilco Capital in 2022. Next then bought the Cath Kidston brand name, domain names and intellectual property in a deal worth £8.5million last year – but this did not include its physical stores.
Wilko has also return to high streets, after collapsing into administration in August 2023, with more than 400 stores closed as a result. At the time Wilko went into administration PricewaterhouseCoopers were unable to find a buyer which meant its store leases and other assets were sold off in parts.
The Wilko name and intellectual property was later bought by CDS Superstores, which trades as The Range, for a reported £5million. CDS Superstores later confirmed plans to reopen Wilko stores – and so far, seven sites have been reopened. CDS Superstores has previously said it hopes to open 300 new Wilko stores.
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