Ted Baker has returned to the UK high street with a new presence at Selfridges Manchester Trafford. The boutique space offers a selected range of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle items, emphasizing summer styles and patterns. Described as resembling the wardrobe of the quintessential Ted woman, the shop features standout pieces like the Rasher Printed Ottoman Mini Dress (£179), the Antya Textured Puff Sleeve Mini Dress (£229), and chic separates such as the Ambita Tailored Blazer (£299) matched with the Platy Front Pleat Wide Leg Trousers (£179).
The revival of Ted Baker follows the collapse of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), the company behind Ted Baker’s UK stores, which went into administration in March 2024. Initially a menswear brand established in 1988, Ted Baker once boasted 550 outlets globally, employing approximately 975 individuals before its demise. The intellectual property rights for Ted Baker are now held by US firm Authentic Brands Group, which acquired the brand for £211 million in October 2022.
After a period of closure, Ted Baker’s website relaunched in November 2024 under a new partnership agreement with United Legwear and Apparel Co (ULAC) to oversee its online operations in the UK and Europe. ULAC, already managing Ted Baker in the US and Canada, has collaborations with various other renowned brands including Skechers, Puma North America, Scotch & Soda, and DKNY.
In the retail sector, Claire’s is also poised for a comeback on the high street, with reports suggesting plans to open 50 new stores shortly after shutting down all 154 UK locations. Following the closure announcement by administrators at Kroll, approximately 1,300 employees are anticipated to lose their jobs. However, recent updates from the Guardian indicate that Claire’s may gradually reopen four to 10 stores per week starting from June. Julien Jarjoura, the operator of Claire’s stores in several European countries, is negotiating new leases with UK landlords to bring the brand back to life, offering revamped stores with a range of jewelry and accessories priced from £1.90 to over £100.
Jarjoura, who oversees around 240 Claire’s outlets in Europe and attempted to purchase the brand earlier this year, expressed optimism in reviving the once-struggling brand.