Ted Baker has reentered the UK high street scene by opening a new shop-in-shop at Selfridges Manchester Trafford. The boutique concession showcases a carefully curated selection of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle items, with a particular emphasis on summer styles and patterns.
Describing the space as a departure from traditional retail setups, Ted Baker envisions it as “the walk-in wardrobe of the ultimate Ted woman.” Key pieces featured include the Rasher Printed Ottoman Mini Dress priced at £179, the Antya Textured Puff Sleeve Mini Dress at £229, and sophisticated separates like the Ambita Tailored Blazer for £299 paired with the Platy Front Pleat Wide Leg Trousers priced at £179.
Following the administration of the firm behind Ted Baker’s UK stores, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), in March 2024, all 46 of its stores ceased operations by August 2024. Established as a menswear brand in 1988, Ted Baker once boasted 550 stores and concessions globally and employed approximately 975 individuals before its collapse.
Authentic Brands Group, an American company, currently holds the intellectual property rights to Ted Baker after acquiring the brand for £211 million in October 2022. The Ted Baker website relaunched in November 2024 under a new agreement with United Legwear and Apparel Co (ULAC) to oversee its online operations in the UK and Europe.
ULAC, which already manages Ted Baker in the US and Canada, has partnerships with various brands like Skechers, Puma North America, Scotch & Soda, and DKNY. Ted Baker is not the only retailer returning to the high street, as Claire’s is reportedly planning to open 50 new stores shortly after shuttering its 154 UK locations.
Kroll administrators announced the closures recently, resulting in around 1,300 job losses. However, according to reports from the Guardian, Claire’s is expected to reopen up to 10 stores per week starting from June, with Julien Jarjoura, the operator of its European shops, spearheading the initiative.
Mr. Jarjoura plans to self-fund the new stores, which will continue to offer ear-piercing services but will feature revamped jewelry and accessories ranging from £1.90 to over £100. Expressing confidence in the brand’s revival, Mr. Jarjoura highlighted the transformation of Claire’s from a dormant state to a vibrant market presence.