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."

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."