What: Topshop is partnering with John Lewis to launch exclusive Christmas pop-ups, marking the brand’s return to physical retail across the UK.

Why it is important:  Topshop’s return via pop-ups signals a broader trend of heritage brands leveraging department store platforms to reconnect with customers.

Topshop is re-entering the UK’s physical retail scene through a partnership with John Lewis, launching a series of exclusive Christmas pop-ups across 32 stores and online. This collaboration not only brings Topshop’s collections, including exclusive footwear, to a wider audience but also aligns with John Lewis’s strategy to modernise its fashion offering and drive growth through curated brands and immersive experiences. The initiative is part of a larger movement among department stores to adapt to evolving consumer expectations by investing in experiential retail and exclusive collaborations. Topshop’s selective wholesale and pop-up approach, following its relaunch with Liberty, is designed to reconnect with customers and reinforce its brand heritage during the crucial holiday trading period. Despite ongoing challenges in the department store sector, John Lewis’s commitment to operational excellence and engaging environments demonstrates how heritage brands and established retailers can remain relevant and competitive by embracing innovation and partnership.

IADS Notes: Topshop’s partnership with John Lewis, announced in September 2025, exemplifies the resurgence of heritage brands through department store collaborations, as John Lewis expands its curated fashion portfolio and invests in experiential retail. This strategy, highlighted by Drapers and Retail Gazette in August and September 2025, reflects a broader industry trend where exclusive partnerships and immersive pop-ups are helping department stores like John Lewis maintain relevance and drive customer engagement, as noted by Retail Week in August 2025.

Topshop teams up with John Lewis for Christmas pop-ups