The former high street fashion chain shared three teaser videos on its Instagram page this weekend, accompanied by the cryptic caption “Watch this space”
Topshop teased a huge announcement over the weekend – and fans are hoping it’s the return of its high street shops.
The former high street fashion chain shared three teaser videos on its Instagram page this weekend, accompanied by the cryptic caption “Watch this space.” Each post featured the same clip of a series of pink-lettering slogans for Topshop and Topman on mirrors, one of which read: “Your era, your Topshop.”
Two more clips were posted on Sunday saying the unknown project will start with conceptual artist Russ Jones. Writing on Instagram, the artist said: “I’m normally shy about collaborations. This upcoming project felt different. Championed by a titan of the retail industry. With a brand that will always be iconic. I’m partnering with one of the most iconic British brands to ever grace our high street. Growing up, I couldn’t afford to shop here. Now, we’re working together.”
However, fans believed the posts were sharing something a little deeper – with many suggesting it could be a return to the British high street.
One person commented: “Our favourite place may be coming back,” while another added: “Please say you’re opening stores again.” A third said: “Get back on the high street. We are struggling out here” and a fourth said: “Oooh what’s happening. Please say it’s bringing back shops.”
While Topshop’s return to the high street has yet to be confirmed, ASOS chief executive José Antonio Ramos Calamonte has previously stated that he would “not rule out any option to grow Topshop, and if that includes a physical presence, then we will not ignore it.” Others said “begging you reopen high street” and “still miss your Oxford St store, spent hours in there”.
However, reports suggest that the clues are actually teasing the relaunch of a dedicated Topshop website, which follows Michelle Wilson’s appointment as managing director of Topshop and Topman last week. As part of her role, Wilson will oversee the global wholesale division, including partnerships with major players such as Nordstrom in the US, Reliance Retail in India, and Bestseller in Europe. She is also set to work on building a “dedicated cross-functional team” for the brand.
During its prime, Topshop had 70 UK stores, including a flagship site on London’s Oxford Street. The fashion chain fell into administration in 2020 as part of the collapse of Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia empire. It was then relaunched selling online only the following year when it was bought by Asos for £265million.
Last year, Asos sold its 75% stake of Topshop and Topman to Heartland, an arm of fashion business Bestseller, in a £135million deal. Bestseller has around 2,800 retail stores in over 30 countries. As part of the joint venture with the group, Asos previously confirmed its intention to relaunch Topshop.com as a standalone website.
While Topshop’s return to the high street has yet to be confirmed, ASOS chief executive José Antonio Ramos Calamonte has previously stated that he would “not rule out any option to grow Topshop, and if that includes a physical presence, then we will not ignore it.”
