Topshop is back, baby! Retailer's big return sees takeover of Trafalgar Square in London

Saturday saw Topshop take over Trafalgar Square in London with a catwalk show to unveil its A/W collection.

The retailer, whose long gone London Oxford Street store is the stuff of legend among 80s and 90s kids, is launching a major comeback. Standalone stores are returning to the UK high street. And the aforementioned catwalk show was its first in seven years. Long time brand representative Cara Delevingne was among those in attendance.

In a LinkedIn post, Victoria Kent, Corporate Communications Manager at Asos, which acquired Topshop in 2021 after the collapse of Arcadia Group, said: “What. A. Day. Today Topshop took over Trafalgar Square with a showstopping catwalk to unveil its A/W collection, and it was nothing short of incredible.”

She added: “On the front row? Cara Delevingne, Adwoa Aboah, Alva Claire, Tolu Coker, and even Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. I couldn’t be prouder to have been behind the comms for this iconic relaunch. The response from press has been phenomenal, but it’s no surprise.”

“Topshop is a brand woven into so many of our stories. Who doesn’t have a memory of 214 Oxford Street For all the fans who loved it then - you won’t be disappointed now. Today’s catwalk was just the start. Topshop is back. And there’s so much more coming.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Fashion retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.