After 27 years at Oxford Circus, Topshop is closing its flagship store in London. In November, Arcadia, the company that owns Topshop, went into administration. Now they are selling the three-storey storeroom after Sir Philip Green failed to raise money to pay off debts after sales plunged as a result of the pandemic.
In London: Hanna Margrethe Enger
Since 1994, Topshop in Oxford Street has been the epicenter of accessible fashion. No shopping trip to London was complete without a visit. Topshop was popular with everyone from teenagers who were discovering their own style, to celebrities and royalty. The Duchess of Cambridge has been wearing outfits from Topshop both in private and on public occasions.
Topshop’s flagship wasn’t just a store. It was a social meeting point. At the entrance one was greeted by a DJ who set the mood, and there were small stalls selling bubble tea and cupcakes. One hour there provided a lot of content for Instagram. This was heaven for fashionistas from around the world.
One of the store’s highlights was when they collaborated with Kate Moss on a collection in 2007 and anther in 2014. As one of the world’s greatest style icons, the launches were. People stood hours in line to secure the coveted garments and catch a glimpse of the fashion star.
They also partnered with Beyoncè, with the activewear collection Ivy Park in 2016. A huge success, but mostly for Beyoncè, who bought out Sir Philip Green in 2018.
The sale of the property on Oxford Street doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of Topshop, but Oxford Street will never be the same without it. There were maybe too many people there and much too hot when you were dressed in winter clothes, but few shops have meant so much to so many. It’s the end of an era.
