What: Topshop and Topman will launch in 32 John Lewis stores and online in 2026, with John Lewis becoming the exclusive UK stockist for Topshop footwear.

Why it is important: The move reflects John Lewis’s strategy to modernize its fashion offer and drive growth through brand curation and experiential retail, echoing its recent investments and leadership vision.

John Lewis’s decision to stock Topshop and Topman from February 2026 signals a major evolution in both brands’ retail strategies and the department store’s ongoing transformation. Topshop’s return to physical retail, following its acquisition by Heartland and Asos and its pivot to a wholesale model, aligns with broader industry trends where digital-native brands leverage partnerships to regain high street presence. John Lewis’s fashion ambitions are clear, with the addition of 49 new brands and a goal to double its £1.3bn fashion business, supported by significant investments in store renovations and experiential retail. The exclusive launch of Topshop footwear at John Lewis further strengthens the retailer’s appeal to younger and nostalgic shoppers, while reinforcing its reputation for quality and value. CEO Peter Ruis’s vision of making John Lewis “radically relevant” is realized through this high-profile collaboration, which is set to energize the retailer’s fashion offer and attract a new generation of customers. The partnership is a testament to the power of strategic brand curation and the enduring appeal of physical retail in a digital age.

IADS Notes:

Topshop’s return to physical retail through wholesale partnerships, as reported in April 2025, reflects a broader industry shift toward balancing heritage with modern retail economics. John Lewis’s expansion of its fashion portfolio, highlighted in February and July 2025, and its £800 million investment in store transformation, underpin this strategy. CEO Peter Ruis’s focus on experiential retail and brand curation, articulated in October 2024, is central to the retailer’s ambition to remain relevant and competitive in the evolving department store sector.

John Lewis revealed as Topshop’s latest UK stockist