Topshop Makes High Street Return Through John Lewis Concessions
After a five-year absence from physical retail, Topshop has officially returned to the British high street through pop-up concessions within John Lewis stores. The relaunch has sparked waves of nostalgia among fashion enthusiasts who fondly remember the brand's cultural dominance during its peak years.
A Personal Connection to Topshop's Golden Era
Like countless others, I invested significant time and money into Topshop during its heyday. Securing a summer job there felt like striking gold, largely thanks to the coveted employee discount that made the latest trends accessible. This personal history made visiting the new Glasgow concession particularly meaningful, yet it also highlighted something conspicuously absent.
The brand is celebrated for its iconic clothing pieces, from the famous Kate Moss tea dress to the phenomenally successful Joni jeans. These items evoke memories of simpler times when fashion choices centered on planning the perfect night-out ensemble. However, another crucial element of Topshop's identity appears missing from this revival.
The Overlooked Beauty Collection That Defined an Era
Topshop's affordable cosmetics range, with its distinctive squiggly crayon branding, represented a significant part of the brand's appeal. During my employment in 2015, this collection was incredibly popular despite its modest price points. Many products performed impressively, creating lasting loyalty among customers who struggled to find comparable alternatives after the line disappeared.
This was an era dominated by coral lipstick, winged eyeliner, and sparkly eyeshadow, and Topshop Beauty stocked everything needed to achieve these looks. With most items priced under £10, it offered the perfect opportunity for a small treat without committing to premium alternatives. The makeup experience felt more enjoyable and accessible during that period, which makes its absence from the relaunch particularly noticeable.
The Evolution and Eventual Disappearance of Topshop Beauty
Many shoppers may not realize that the original cosmetics collection actually vanished in 2018 before relaunching later that year with refreshed, minimalist packaging. This revamped version also became completely cruelty-free, marking a positive step forward for the brand. Despite these improvements, the beauty line ultimately didn't survive Topshop's broader retail challenges.
While space constraints within John Lewis concessions naturally prioritize clothing, the absence of the beauty range feels like a missed opportunity to fully recapture Topshop's original spirit. The current selection focuses on curated fashion items including horseshoe jeans, layered garments, and polka dot patterns, all displayed efficiently to maximize variety within limited square footage.
A Promising Comeback With Room for Growth
Despite the missing beauty products and iconic Joni jeans, the Topshop concession offers an enjoyable shopping experience that effectively transports customers back a decade. The carefully edited collection demonstrates how much has changed since Topshop's original heyday, while still delivering a satisfying retail comeback.
Ultimately, the success of these John Lewis concessions could determine whether Topshop expands further, potentially leading to standalone store reopenings and perhaps even the resurrection of its beloved cosmetics range. For now, fashion enthusiasts can celebrate the brand's partial return while hoping for a more complete revival in the future.
