Five years after vanishing from the UK high street, Topshop has returned to physical retail, launching inside 32 John Lewis stores nationwide, beginning with a pop-up opening in Chelmsford this week.
This is not a return to large flagship stores or rapid expansion. It is a carefully managed comeback designed for today’s very different retail environment.
Owned by ASOS since 2021, Topshop has continued to trade online. But its move back into stores shows that even digital-first brands still see value in physical retail when it is executed strategically.
Instead of reopening standalone stores, Topshop is returning through concession spaces inside John Lewis. This dramatically lowers risk. There are fewer long-term property commitments, lower operating costs and less operational complexity. At the same time, Topshop benefits from John Lewis’s existing footfall, store teams and established customer base.
This reflects a wider shift in retail. Physical stores today are not about having the largest estate. They are about being present in the right locations, in the right format, and using stores to support digital growth.
By operating within John Lewis, Topshop can test in-store demand without overcommitting. It also creates opportunities to connect physical sales with online performance, whether through shared data insights, click-and-collect, or coordinated marketing activity.
For retail leaders, the message is clear. This is not a return to old expansion models. It is about using physical retail in a smarter, more flexible way.
The relaunch lines up with the launch of the SS26 collection and includes a focused range of around 130 pieces, built around one of Topshop’s strongest categories, denim.
Rather than offering a wide range, the brand is starting with a focused selection. This keeps stock levels tighter and makes performance easier to track.
If certain styles sell quickly, they can be restocked fast. If something does not perform, adjustments can be made without heavy discounting.
In this format, the store becomes both a brand showcase and a testing space to understand real-world demand before scaling further.
why this matters for the high street
Topshop’s return could provide a welcome boost for regional high streets, particularly in towns like Chelmsford where department stores still play an important role in attracting footfall.
A recognisable brand such as John Lewis, adds fashion credibility and potentially brings younger shoppers back through the doors. For surrounding retailers, any increase in traffic is positive news.
But this does not signal a broad high street recovery.
Topshop is not returning to the market it left behind. It is stepping back into a retail environment that is leaner, more competitive and far less forgiving.
That is why this comeback is being watched so closely. If it works, it could offer a realistic blueprint for how heritage brands can re-enter physical retail without repeating past mistakes. If it does not, it will reinforce just how difficult the high street remains in 2026.