Ted Baker, a well-known fashion brand that has been a staple on the UK high streets for 36 years, is facing significant closures this week. The brand’s parent company, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), went into administration in March of this year, leading to the closure of 15 stores in April and the loss of 245 jobs. Now, the remaining 31 Ted Baker stores in the UK will be shutting their doors, resulting in over 500 more job losses. This marks the end of an era for Ted Baker in the UK, as the brand’s presence on the high street comes to an abrupt end.
The closures will affect stores across the country, including 12 locations in London and its surrounding airports, as well as in cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, and Sheffield. The full list of Ted Baker stores closing in the UK includes locations in Ashford, Kent; Bath; Birmingham; Bracknell; Braintree; Bristol; Cheadle; Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet; Dartford; Glasgow; Gloucester Quays; High Wycombe; Kingston upon Thames; London (Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport, Luton Airport, Outlet Shopping at The O2, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shepherd’s Bush, Stansted Airport); Manchester; Norwich; Portsmouth; Sheffield; Solihull; and Swindon, among others.
The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort by Ted Baker’s administrators, Teneo, who have stated that there is no expectation for the brand to become profitable again. The closures bring the total number of Ted Baker stores shut down in 2024 to 46, marking a significant loss for the brand and its employees. Joint administrator Benji Dymant emphasized that while the closures will have a regrettable impact on team members, they are necessary to improve the performance of the business and pave the way for potential operating partners to revive the Ted Baker brand in the future.
This wave of closures follows a series of job cuts and store closures for Ted Baker in recent years, including the axing of 160 jobs in 2020. The brand faced challenges in 2019 after founder Ray Kelvin resigned amidst allegations of misconduct, including claims of inappropriate behavior towards female employees. Despite these setbacks, Ted Baker remained a beloved brand in the UK fashion industry, with a loyal customer base and a strong presence on the high street.
The closure of Ted Baker stores is part of a larger trend of struggles for retailers in the UK, with other brands like Wilko and Carpetright also facing closures and bankruptcies. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, leading to widespread job losses and store closures across the country. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how brands like Ted Baker will adapt and survive in an increasingly competitive market.
In conclusion, the closure of Ted Baker stores in the UK marks the end of an era for the beloved fashion brand, with over 500 jobs set to be lost as a result. The closures are part of a larger restructuring effort by the brand’s administrators, aimed at improving the performance of the business and potentially reviving the Ted Baker brand in the future. As the retail industry continues to face challenges, it is clear that brands like Ted Baker will need to adapt and innovate in order to survive in a rapidly changing market.