Return of Topshop hailed as major boost to city

The return of fashion brand Topshop to Essex could be a major boost to High Street shopping, a retail expert said.

A pop-up version of the retailer opened inside John Lewis in Chelmsford on Tuesday.

Topshop was a household name until it closed in 2021, but 32 outlets are due to become available again across the UK in February.

Sara Tupper, chief executive of city business group Chelmsford For You, said: "It brings back a popular fashion name to physical retail and attracts new and younger shoppers."

She described the comeback as "a boost for the local High Street", which used to have a Topshop at High Chelmer shopping centre.

The Topshop chain disappeared following the collapse of Sir Philip Green's retail empire, Arcadia Group.

Perhaps its most iconic venue was the three-storey shop at 214 Oxford Street, which had its own nail bar, food stalls and DJs.

The retailer continued to sell online via Asos after its in-person shops collapsed, before announcing its return in September.

Tupper said: "Not only can this increase footfall from locals and visitors, but most importantly it signals confidence in bricks-and-mortar shopping, making the city more vibrant and economically resilient."

Shoppers were out and about in Chelmsford earlier as they got their first glimpse of the brand in five years.

Anneliese, 67, said on payday she used to get on a bus to Oxford Circus and go to Topshop.

"You got paid and all your money was gone, it was all in Topshop," she said.

"It's nice having a coffee shop and everything else but hey, clothes are the thing, whatever age you are."

Another shopper added: "I used to be there every week and get my outfits for the evening.

"Because the generation coming up now haven't had it on the High Street… It's now going to be great for them to actually experience it in a shop."

John Lewis branch manager Tracey Odell said people were revelling in the nostalgia at seeing Topshop's products again.

"What they can do today is come in, see and feel the amazing Topshop product and see the brand back in place here," she said.

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