Topshop
British high-street fast-fashion brand specialising in women's clothing, footwear and accessories.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Topshop is a British fashion brand and online retailer focused primarily on women's clothing, shoes and accessories. The business began in 1964 as Peter Robinson's Top Shop, a youth-oriented department within Burton's Peter Robinson womenswear chain. From the outset, it was positioned toward younger customers and used emerging British design talent as a point of difference. Early merchandise included work by designers such as Mary Quant, Jeff Banks, Stirling Cooper and Gerald McCann. During the 1970s, Top Shop was separated operationally from Peter Robinson and developed into a large standalone chain aimed principally at consumers aged roughly 13 to 24. Its rapid store growth and strong profitability helped make it one of Burton's most important fashion operations. Topman, a related menswear brand, was introduced in 1978. Topshop's identity was built around a combination of accessible prices, rapid fashion turnover, youth culture and regular collaborations with designers and celebrities. After a less distinctive period during the 1980s, the brand experienced a major revival in the 1990s and 2000s. It worked with designers including Hussein Chalayan, Markus Lupfer, Tristan Webber and Tracey Boyd, and its limited collections often generated substantial fashion-press attention. The appointment of Jane Shepherdson as brand director is widely associated with the brand's repositioning and commercial expansion. Topshop also invested in digital retail and was an early British fashion brand to launch an online store. During the 2000s and 2010s, Topshop became a highly visible international fashion retailer. It expanded through owned stores, concessions, websites and franchise arrangements across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America and other markets. Its large Oxford Street flagship became a major London retail landmark, while international stores included locations in New York. The brand sponsored London Fashion Week initiatives, including Newgen and Fashion East, strengthening its association with emerging British fashion. Notable commercial partnerships included the Kate Moss collections, the Stella Vine range and the Ivy Park activewear venture created with Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment. Topshop was formerly part of Arcadia Group, the retail group controlled by Philip Green. Arcadia entered administration in November 2020, bringing the brand's store-based business to a crisis point. ASOS acquired the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands from the administrators in February 2021, but did not acquire the physical stores. As a result, Topshop moved primarily to an online model, while its former international store network was closed or discontinued. Nordstrom subsequently took an unspecified minority stake and sold the brands through its North American retail and digital channels. In September 2024, ASOS announced the sale of a 75% stake in Topshop and Topman to Danish fashion company Bestseller. The transaction created a new ownership structure intended to support a relaunch and potential return to physical retail. Topshop products were announced for a return to a physical department-store setting in Ireland in August 2026, and a national John Lewis partnership was announced for 2026. The brand therefore remains active, but its present distribution is substantially different from the extensive store network it operated before the Arcadia administration.
History
Topshop originated in 1964 as Peter Robinson's Top Shop, a youth-focused fashion department within the Peter Robinson chain owned by Burton. The concept was created for a younger and more fashion-conscious customer and initially stocked work by British designers and other contemporary labels. A Sheffield branch and a large Oxford Street department helped establish the early identity of the business. In 1973, Burton separated Top Shop from Peter Robinson as part of a restructuring of its womenswear operations. Peter Robinson was directed toward older customers, while Top Shop concentrated on the 13-to-24 market. By the middle of the decade it had dozens of standalone branches and was described as highly profitable. In 1978, Top Shop contributed approximately one-third of Burton's operating profits according to contemporary reporting. Burton launched Topman in the same year as a related menswear concept. The brand struggled to sustain its fashion profile during parts of the 1980s, but its reputation recovered during the 1990s through designer partnerships, limited collections and closer engagement with the fashion press. A 1994 collaboration with Red or Dead was followed by work with designers such as Markus Lupfer, Hussein Chalayan, Tristan Webber and Tracey Boyd. These projects helped Topshop appear more culturally relevant than a conventional mass-market chain. The company also became an early adopter of online fashion retail in the United Kingdom. Jane Shepherdson's period as brand director was central to the modernisation of Topshop. The brand developed a sharper visual identity, expanded its designer collaborations and connected its retail activity with London's emerging fashion scene. It sponsored Newgen from 2002 and Fashion East from 2003, and from 2005 became part of the London Fashion Week catwalk schedule. Topshop also developed major stores, including its multi-floor Oxford Street flagship, and expanded internationally through stores, concessions, websites and franchise partners. The 2000s and 2010s brought high-profile collaborations. Kate Moss designed collections beginning in 2007, while artist Stella Vine created a limited-edition range. In 2014, Beyoncé and Topshop agreed to establish a 50-50 activewear venture, later named Ivy Park, which launched in 2016. The business also pursued international distribution through partners such as Zalando and Nordstrom. Its international growth included operations in the United States, Singapore, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and France, although several of these markets later closed or entered insolvency or receivership proceedings. Topshop's corporate fortunes became tied to Arcadia Group and its controlling shareholder Philip Green. Arcadia sold a 25% stake in Topshop and Topman to Leonard Green & Partners in 2012 while retaining control of the brands. By the late 2010s the group was closing stores and facing increasing pressure from online competitors and changing consumer behaviour. Arcadia entered administration in November 2020. ASOS bought the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands in February 2021, retaining employees but not the store estate. Topshop consequently became predominantly an online brand. In 2024, ASOS sold 75% of Topshop and Topman to Bestseller. The new arrangement was presented as a basis for renewed product development, digital distribution and possible high-street activity. Announcements in 2025 and 2026 indicated planned physical availability through McElhinney's Department Store in Ireland and John Lewis stores in the United Kingdom. Topshop's current history is therefore characterised by a transition from a large, internationally franchised store chain to a digitally led brand supported by a new majority owner and selected retail partnerships.
- 2024
Bestseller becomes majority owner
[1]ASOS sells a 75% stake in Topshop and Topman to Bestseller.
- 2021
ASOS acquires the brand
[1]ASOS purchases Topshop and related brands but not their physical stores.
- 2020
Arcadia enters administration
[1]Arcadia's administration results in the closure of Topshop's physical store network.
- 2016
Ivy Park launches
[1]The Beyoncé-linked activewear brand launches after development under the Topshop partnership.
- 2014
Beyoncé activewear venture announced
[1]Topshop and Beyoncé's Parkwood establish a planned joint activewear business later named Ivy Park.
- 2012
Leonard Green acquires minority stake
[1]Leonard Green & Partners purchases a 25% stake in Topshop and Topman from Philip Green's Arcadia interests.
- 2007
Kate Moss collection launches
[1]Kate Moss creates her first collection for Topshop.
- 2002
Newgen sponsorship begins
[1]Topshop begins sponsoring the Newgen initiative supporting emerging British designers.
- 1994
Red or Dead collaboration
[1]Topshop begins a notable later-era designer collaboration with Red or Dead.
- 1978
Topman is launched
[1]Burton introduces Topman as a related menswear brand.
Products and positioning
Youth-oriented British high-street fashion combining trend-led design, accessible pricing, designer collaborations and fast-fashion retailing.
Women's fashion · 1964
Topshop Womenswear
The core Topshop offer consists of trend-led women's apparel spanning dresses, tops, knitwear, denim, tailoring, outerwear and occasion pieces. Historically, collections combined rapid seasonal fashion with a more editorial approach, helping the brand occupy a distinctive position between mainstream mass retail and designer fashion. The range is now primarily distributed online and through selected retail partners.
Footwear and accessories
Topshop Footwear and Accessories
Topshop has extended its apparel collections with shoes, bags, jewellery and other fashion accessories. These products support complete-look merchandising and have been sold through the brand's stores, concessions, websites and international partners. Current availability depends on the brand's relaunch and distribution arrangements under Bestseller and ASOS.
Designer collaboration · 2007
Kate Moss for Topshop
The Kate Moss collections were celebrity-led fashion capsules introduced from 2007. They formed part of Topshop's strategy of using recognisable creative and cultural figures to generate attention, limited-edition demand and editorial coverage around the main womenswear business.
Activewear · 2016
Ivy Park
Ivy Park was the activewear venture formed by Topshop and Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment. The business was structured as a 50-50 partnership and launched its first ranges in 2016. It represented Topshop's attempt to enter a growing sportswear and performance-fashion category through a globally recognised celebrity partner.
Controversies
2013
Rihanna image-rights litigation
Rihanna won a case concerning Topshop's unauthorised use of her image on a T-shirt. The courts concluded that consumers could interpret the image as implying endorsement.
2010
Tax-arrangement protests
UK Uncut campaigners staged actions at Topshop locations as part of protests over corporate tax arrangements.
2007
Cotton sourcing criticism
People & Planet criticised Topshop's overseas sourcing and alleged that cotton used by the brand could involve coerced labour.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014Ivy Park partnership
International
Topshop and Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment announced a joint venture for dance, fitness and sports apparel, later branded Ivy Park.
Outcome. The collection launched in 2016 and broadened Topshop's association with activewear and celebrity-led product development.
- 2007Kate Moss for Topshop
United Kingdom · International
Topshop partnered with Kate Moss on a fashion collection promoted through the model's cultural profile and the retailer's fashion-led positioning.
Outcome. The collaboration attracted substantial media attention and became a prominent example of Topshop's celebrity-collaboration model.
- 2003Fashion East support
United Kingdom
The brand supported Fashion East, an initiative connecting fashion students and emerging designers with the wider Newgen ecosystem.
Outcome. Topshop reinforced its role as a commercial supporter of emerging London fashion talent.
- 2002Newgen sponsorship
United Kingdom
Topshop sponsored the Newgen programme, linking the brand with emerging British designers and London's fashion-industry talent pipeline.
Outcome. The sponsorship strengthened Topshop's fashion credentials and continued as part of its London Fashion Week involvement.
Brand decisions
2024
Transfer majority ownership to BestsellerM&ABackground
ASOS sought a new ownership and operating arrangement for Topshop and Topman after the brands had become predominantly digital.
Action taken
ASOS sold a 75% stake in the brands to Bestseller while retaining a minority interest.
Aftermath
The parties announced plans to relaunch the websites and consider renewed physical retail distribution.
2021
Sell the storeless brand to ASOSM&ABackground
Following Arcadia's administration, ASOS pursued the brands without acquiring their physical shops.
Action taken
ASOS acquired Topshop and related brands for £265 million, with an additional payment for stock and orders.
Aftermath
Topshop became primarily an online brand and its former physical store network was not retained.
Acquisition consideration. £265 million plus £65 million for stock (2021)
- Next — A consortium including Next had previously pursued the brands but withdrew from the bidding process.
- Frasers Group — Frasers Group expressed interest in Arcadia operations during the sale process.
2016
Launch Ivy Park activewearProduct launchBackground
Topshop sought to extend its fashion proposition into sports and fitness apparel through its partnership with Beyoncé.
Action taken
The joint venture launched Ivy Park products in April 2016.
Aftermath
The launch gave Topshop a high-profile entry into celebrity-led activewear, although the venture is no longer part of the current brand portfolio.
Recent events
TBI Bank and Top Shop partner on buy-now-pay-later payments[2]
Reported:
TBI Bank and Top Shop formed a strategic partnership to provide customers in Romania with TBI’s buy-now-pay-later payment solution, offering installment financing for purchases.
Nordstrom gains expanded exclusive retail rights for Topshop and Topman[3]
Reported:
Nordstrom would have exclusive multi-channel retail rights for Topshop and Topman throughout North America, including Canada, and become the brands’ only brick-and-mortar presence worldwide.
Nordstrom announces minority-stake acquisitions in ASOS-owned brands[4]
Reported:
Nordstrom announced that it would acquire minority stakes in Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and the activewear brand HIIT, which ASOS had acquired as part of Arcadia Group.
Nordstrom to sell ASOS-owned brands online and in stores[4]
Reported:
Under an agreement announced by Nordstrom, it will sell Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT on its website and in 350 stores.
Nordstrom acquires minority interests in ASOS brands[3]
Reported:
Nordstrom acquired minority interests in ASOS’s Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands; ASOS retained operational and creative control of the Topshop brands.
ASOS acquires Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT[5]
Reported:
ASOS acquired the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands in a deal worth £295 million plus £30 million worth of stock. The article says approximately 300 employees in design, buying and retail partnerships within the four brands would transfer to ASOS.
Topshop closes its Blackburn store[6]
Reported:
Topshop's store at The Mall Blackburn closed; the article reports that the last day for staff was the preceding Thursday.
Weekdays and relative dates follow the original report; their exact calendar dates have not been verified.
- Unconfirmed
Topshop closes its stores[7]
Reported:
Topshop closed all 300 of its stores. The article also reports that staff said on social media they had been temporarily laid off.
- Unconfirmed
Arcadia confirms closure of at least 12 stores[8]
Reported:
Arcadia Group confirmed the closure of at least 12 sites in the weeks before the report, including its Westfield Stratford store in east London. The closures include stores operated under several Arcadia brands.
Sources10 sources
- 1Topshopen.wikipedia.org
- 2TBI Bank 与 Top Shop 合作提供先买后付支付方案business-review.eu
- 3Nordstrom获得Topshop和Topman扩大的独家零售权foxbusiness.com
- 4Nordstrom宣布收购ASOS旗下品牌少数股权fashion.sina.com.cn
- 5ASOS 收购 Topshop、Topman、Miss Selfridge 和 HIITwessexscene.co.uk
- 6Topshop关闭布莱克本门店lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
- 7Topshop关闭门店oxfordmail.co.uk
- 8Arcadia 确认至少关闭 12 家门店theguardian.com
- 9Asos launches joint venture to sell Topshop clothes in US storescotswoldjournal.co.uk
- 10Nordstrom acquires stake in UK's premier fashion brands Topshop, Topman | EconoTimeseconotimes.com
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