What's going on with Topshop?

[Yogurtflavours]

The last time I ordered anything from them was a couple of years ago I think.

They've had lots and lots of terrible reviews recently on Trustpilot, saying orders haven't been sent out, returns haven't been refunded etc. What's going on? I'm sure they were fine in the past.

It's very unlike them uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.topshop.com

I’m not sure if this is anything to do with it but they’re having a massive restructure internally and making most teams fight for their jobs.

My friend works in marketing for them and they have huge issues with the amount of stock they just cannot shift. She thinks they’re going to close most stores and go mainly online with lines that are profitable for them

They were in trouble before the pandemic, and they’re still in trouble now. They’re desperate for sales, hence the all the email discounts I’ve been sent over the past few weeks.

My local branch was emptied out in early June, and has been taken over by Zara. The next closest branch is still closed, and suspect it will not re-open at all. Topshop has been on the way out for a long time, and given their high rents, I expect more store closures with a focus on online sales.

I would not be surprised if Philip Green will sell it at some time too. I worry it might be another BHS scenario as the huge dividends he pays himself and his wife must be coming from somewhere.

I dunno, maybe it’s to do with the worldwide pandemic going on So they’re not running their business as usual.

@heartsonacake

I dunno, maybe it’s to do with the worldwide pandemic going on So they’re not running their business as usual.

Fine, but these sorts of reviews haven't been written for all companies. It seems to be Topshop in particular.

They are sending constant emails about sales and discounts. I don’t buy much from them these days and suspect the bulk of their sales are party and holiday wear for youngsters so not surprised they are struggling. No post A Level nights out, no freshers week, no girly holidays.

Too expensive for many of its target audience, places like Primark, New Look and H and M are more affordable.

I’ve ordered a few things recently fro:them. Goods have always arrived fairly quickly, and no problems with returns either.

They're pretty expensive. My daughter paid £25 for basic jogging bottoms the other day. Her birthday money, her choice! But not what I would choose to pay.

I agree. I think they target the young end of the market, but charge prices that women in their thirties would be more prepared to pay. I like some of their stuff but lots of it is very revealing, party wear and holiday-ish.

They like all the other shops are suffering from over pricing. Stupid money for a T-shirt of quality I could buy at primark is not something I’m prepared to do.

Their clothes seem uglier than usual at the moment too.

@PurrBox

Their clothes seem uglier than usual at the moment too.

Their clothes are so ugly, only the very young and beautiful can get away with wearing them.

@BlusteryShowers

I agree. I think they target the young end of the market, but charge prices that women in their thirties would be more prepared to pay. I like some of their stuff but lots of it is very revealing, party wear and holiday-ish.

That doesn't explain the customer services issues.

I went into topshop last weekend and there was hardly anything in the store compared with usual times. Hardly anything trendy, just basics, and plenty of polyester dresses that would suit nobody.

Where did it go wrong? I know they have probably suffered with COVID and also cut their supply chain which has impacted choice. Honestly the atmosphere in the shop was a bit desperate.

I used to work for them in the early 2000s so feel a little invested in how they are doing. It was so different back then.

I used to love Topshop when I was a student but could never afford it. Now I can’t afford it I feel to old to wear anything they sell.

I remember when they had their last big funk - there was a time when they were similar to H&M and C&A and then they lost their way, then the became really fashionable - great clothes featured in Vogue, Kate Moss connection, big fashion shows etc - and they've somehow just lost their mojo again.

I think when they got rid of head designer (Jane something or other who moved to Whistles or Jigsaw I think) it started to go downhill.

I have never shopped there. But weren't people boycotting it, maybe a couple of years ago I think because of bullying allegations and something to do with the changing rooms too?

They’re so expensive

I find 90% of stuff in there is now aimed at Generation Z. I never find anything nice in there anymore. Especially as I'm getting a bit older I want classic, timeless designs and well I'm more likely to find that stuff even in Primark!

When I was in my teens and 20s they were 'the' shop to go to, above New Look and River Island etc. Codes were v rare, as were discounts bar the summer and New Year sales of course.

But even in the last few years (mid 30s now) they started sending me the occasional 10% off jeans or 3 days everything 20% off etc and like all clothing retailers are now suffering as a result of the 6 month closure so have ramped up the offers.

But I am curious about its general decline as it was always untouchable.

Dorothy Perkins is under fire in this month’s Which magazine for failing to refund customers during Covid, and didn’t wish to comment. All part of the same shitty group!

I used to buy almost my entire wardrobe from Topshop until the last 3 years or so. I still bought some from there but I was starting to feel too old for a lot of it (I’m 36). However, during lockdown I noticed that the website hadn’t been updated at all since approx March, with the same tired looking stuff and no summer stock. I’ll be sad if it goes under, though - it really used to be brilliant.