Topshop teases return to the high street
The moment we've all been waiting for, ever since Topshop shuttered its doors in 2020, has arrived. The beloved British retailer has teased its return to the high street.
Taking to Instagram yesterday with a series of three posts that spell out "We've missed you too", Topshop has almost but confirmed its grand return.
The first phase of its eagerly awaited return sees Topshop partner with London-based artist Russ Jones to create "We Missed You Too" — a fan-fuelled art installation and treasure hunt across London’s Soho for Topshop lovers old and new.
Jones has created twenty-one mirrors featuring comments from Topshop’s army of loyal fans. One of the treasure hunts prizes is a £1,000 voucher for Topshop.com. Hinting at its grand return, the website currently reads 'coming soon'.
Moses Rashid, Topshop Global Director of Marketing, said: "We're excited to see the love for Topshop and Topman on social media. Supporting local talent, sharing the stage with creatives, and bringing London’s unique energy to our fans has always been part of Topshop's heritage.
"This activation, featuring the hugely talented Russ Jones, is our way of giving back in a truly Topshop way. Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and 'We Love You Too' is a perfect example of that; by involving our loyal followers, we’re not only celebrating their passion but also creating the kind of memorable experiences that have always been so important to why people love Topshop. This is just the beginning—keep watching this space."
After the collapse of the retailer's owner Arcadia Group, ASOS purchased Topshop and Topman, the former jewels in the crown of the conglomerate's empire, for £265 million in March 2021. The deal involved the purchase of the brand and online business only, resulting in the closure of all of Topshop and Topman's physical retail stores. ASOS rolled the e-commerce sites into its own online platform. Although this kept the brand from fading into the abyss, it has arguably not been the same since.
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In October 2024 ASOS sold Topshop and Topman to a joint venture led by Heartland, which represents ASOS shareholder Anders Holch Povlsen and his fashion business Bestseller. As soon as the news broke, speculation stirred that the retailer was headed back to the high street.
The joint venture was established following a competitive sale process for the brands and saw Heartland indirectly hold a 75% stake in the joint venture for a £135 million cash consideration. The remaining 25% stake is held by ASOS Holdings Limited, granting the online fashion retailer certain design and distribution rights for Topshop and Topman in return for a royalty fee, allowing it to continue marketing and selling the two brands online.
Just months later, in February 2025, Michelle Wilson was appointed Managing Director of Topshop and Topman, with plans to help them "thrive" as standalone brands. In this role, Wilson managed the company's global wholesale business, which includes partnerships with Nordstrom in the US, Reliance Retail in India, and Bestseller in Europe.
In the same week, the retailer excited its fans with three teaser videos posted on its Instagram alongside the message "watch this space".
Following the posts on social media, hundreds of comments have amassed with users eagerly anticipating the online brand's reveal, with many also asking for its return to the UK high street.
One user said "begging you reopen high street", while others posted "please say you’re opening stores again" and "still miss your Oxford Street store, spent hours in there".
With new ownership, plus a new Managing Director and Instagram posts that point to a relaunch, dare we suggest that Topshop is back? As the company said on social media last month - watch this space.
But, as its famous flagship on Oxford Cirus was scooped up by Ikea, opening its doors earlier this week, it is yet to be determined where will the retailer head first.
