The Laura Ashley brand returns to the UK: the first store will open in September.

Laura Ashley's return to the streets of the UK

According to The Sun: The famous British brand plans to restore its presence in the market following bankruptcy proceedings and the closure of 150 of its stores.

Laura Ashley plans to open a new store in the Lakeside shopping center in Essex.

The 10,000 square foot store will open on September 26, Retail Week reports.

Shoppers will be able to find a wide range of home goods, women's and children's clothing.

This will be the first time in more than five years that consumers will be able to buy the brand's iconic floral designs in a standalone store.

The brand's history

The brand, beloved by the late Princess Diana, was founded in 1953. Its popularity rose in the 70s, and home goods became a hit in the 80s.

However, in 2020, due to the pandemic, the brand suffered significant losses and went bankrupt, leading to the closure of all its stores in the UK.

Later, the brand was saved by investors Gordon Brothers, who helped launch a product range in Next stores in 2021.

A deal was also made with the sofa group DFS and John Lewis.

However, in January this year, the American company sold the brand to Marquee Brands, the owner of Ben Sherman.

Heath Golden, head of Marquee Brands, said the company is “ready to leverage” Laura Ashley’s seventy-year legacy.

He also noted that this partnership aims to “realize the brand's potential as a full lifestyle brand, innovatively developing new products and categories, offering unique collaborations, and engaging multi-generational audiences in key markets worldwide.”

The new independent store will operate in partnership with Next.

Reviving retail

Laura Ashley joins other retailers returning to the streets of the UK.

Topshop is actively rebuilding its business after selling 75% of its shares to Asos in Bestselle.

This iconic British brand has already opened a concession in Liberty London and plans to open another 32 John Lewis stores next year.

Ted Baker also intends to open in early 2026, with details to be announced closer to the opening date.

It is still unknown how many stores will be opened and whether they will expand beyond the capital.

This news comes more than a year after the brand announced its bankruptcy and the closure of all its stores in August 2024.

Also, last month, T.M. Lewin announced plans to open new stores in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

This brand also went bankrupt, closing all 66 of its branches in 2020.

Last year, the fashion and home goods chain Cath Kidston unexpectedly returned, opening a store in Westfield White City, London.

This retailer also went bankrupt and closed all its stores in 2023.

The return of Laura Ashley to the market marks not only the revival of one of the most beloved brands but also reflects an overall improvement in the retail situation in the UK. The continued operation of other well-known brands also underscores optimistic trends in the fashion and home goods industry.