Topshop has made its highly anticipated return to physical retail spaces, with the iconic fashion label now available at John Lewis department stores across the United Kingdom. This marks a significant comeback for the brand, which once dominated the high street with its trend-focused designs at accessible price points.
A New Chapter with Familiar Influences
In its heyday, Topshop was the go-to destination for fashion-forward consumers seeking stylish apparel without breaking the bank. Interestingly, the brand's new collection appears to draw substantial inspiration from Marks and Spencer, which effectively filled the market gap left by Topshop's closure in 2021. This stylistic overlap is not entirely coincidental, given that Topshop's former fashion director, Maddy Evans, now serves as the Womenswear Director at M&S.
Spotting the Similarities
The influence of Evans' tenure at Topshop seems evident in the current offerings. For instance, Topshop's Check Side Tie Long Sleeve Top, priced at £38, bears a striking resemblance to M&S's Mesh Jersey Checked V-Neck Wrap Top, which retails for £28—a full £10 less. Similarly, Topshop's Double Breasted Trench Jacket at £75 closely mirrors M&S's Cotton Rich Asymmetric Short Trench Coat, available for £65, again undercutting Topshop by £10.
Further comparisons include a pleated yellow shirt, with Topshop's version costing £42 versus M&S's at £36, and a faux suede bomber jacket where M&S's Suedette Harrington Jacket is priced £20 lower than Topshop's £76 offering. These parallels highlight a competitive pricing strategy as Topshop re-enters the market.
Expanding Physical Presence
Shoppers can now experience Topshop's designs firsthand at 32 John Lewis locations nationwide, with the department store acting as the exclusive stockist for the spring/summer 2026 collections. This partnership aims to revitalize Topshop's presence on British high streets, addressing the void left when its flagship Oxford Street store closed in 2021. At its peak, that location attracted a diverse clientele, from tourists and teenagers to fashion insiders, thanks to trendy apparel and successful designer collaborations.
M&S's Transformation Under Evans
Since joining M&S in 2019 as head of buying and rising to director of womenswear by 2022, Maddy Evans has played a pivotal role in transforming the retailer's fashion offerings. Her efforts have helped M&S capture the market segment once loyal to Topshop, introducing must-have items like a faux croc leather trench coat that frequently sells out. Evans has also implemented a faster fashion approach, reducing the time from design to shelf to as little as one month, allowing M&S to swiftly respond to trends and consumer demand.
In a statement to the Daily Mail last year, Evans emphasized the success of M&S's strategy, noting, "We're pleased to see womenswear achieve its highest ever style rankings, particularly with the 35-54 customer—a clear sign our focus is landing, and our ranges are resonating with more people more often." She added, "It's important that we keep up momentum so this season we're supercharging newness across the board."
Topshop's Path to Redemption
Topshop's revival faces the challenge of reclaiming its once-dedicated customer base. The brand's collapse in 2020 under Phillip Green's Arcadia Group was attributed to several factors, including an overreliance on large physical stores, a sluggish digital strategy, and intense competition from fast-fashion rivals like PrettyLittleThing, Boohoo, and Missguided. Additionally, controversies surrounding Sir Philip Green, such as the BHS pension scandal and allegations of sexual harassment—which he denies—reportedly alienated many female shoppers.
Michelle Wilson, Topshop's managing director, expressed optimism about the John Lewis partnership, telling Drapers, "Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love. From our cult denim to new‑season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day." She highlighted that this collaboration brings Topshop back to high streets with the service standards customers expect.
As Topshop navigates this new era, its ability to blend nostalgic appeal with competitive pricing and strategic retail partnerships will be crucial in winning back shoppers and reestablishing its foothold in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
