Ted Baker plots return to high street following in Topshop's footsteps

Ted Baker is reportedly planning a return to the UK high street in early 2026, just over a year after shuttering all its stores and entering administration.

A relaunch is in motion, with a London location expected to be among the first openings, sources close to the business told The Sun. It is not yet clear how many stores will return or whether they will expand beyond the capital.

Founded in Glasgow in 1988, Ted Baker built a global following with its bold prints and sharply tailored aesthetic. However, the brand’s decline began in 2019 following the resignation of founder Ray Kelvin amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The retailer issued several profit warnings and cut jobs before ultimately collapsing into administration in March 2024.

At the time, the brand’s UK and European operations were being managed by Dutch retail group AARC, which had been appointed by Ted Baker’s parent company, Authentic Brands Group (ABG). AARC ran into financial difficulty shortly after taking over operations, leading ABG to step in with financial support. However, the partnership was terminated in February 2024.

The business entity behind Ted Baker in the UK, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), subsequently entered administration and began the process of closing all 46 UK stores. The final locations shut in August 2024.

Despite the exit from bricks-and-mortar retail, ABG has continued efforts to revive the Ted Baker brand digitally. In November 2024, Ted Baker’s UK e-commerce site was relaunched under new operating partner United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC). ULAC was appointed in September 2024 to manage the UK and European business and is offering UK-wide shipping.

ABG, which also owns Reebok, Juicy Couture and Forever 21, operates a licensing-led model and retains ownership of Ted Baker’s intellectual property.

The planned UK retail return aligns with ABG’s broader approach of reviving heritage brands through partnership-driven models. Ted Baker’s relaunch would join a wave of British brands returning to the high street after collapse, including T.M. Lewin, Topshop M&Co - all of which have opened or plan to open new locations under new ownership or revised business strategies.

TheIndustry.fashion has contacted Authentic Brands Group for comment.