List of clothing and footwear shops in the United Kingdom facts for kids
This is a list of clothing and shoe shops in the United Kingdom that are open now or used to be open. It includes places that sell shoes, clothes, and sports gear, but not online-only stores.
Contents
- Cool Clothing and Shoe Shops in the UK
- Top Brands and What They Sell
- Adidas: Gear for Sports and Style
- Aldo Group: Trendy Shoes for Everyone
- AllSaints: Fashion with an Edge
- American Apparel: Simple and Stylish Clothes
- Ann Summers: Fun Underwear and More
- Anthropologie: Unique Clothes and Home Goods
- ASDA: Affordable Fashion for the Family
- Ted Baker: Smart and Stylish Fashion
- Banana Republic: Upscale American Style
- Barbour: Outdoor Clothes for All Weather
- Bonmarché: Ladies' Fashion for Grown-Ups
- Bravissimo: Underwear for Bigger Busts
- Burberry: Luxury British Fashion
- Burtons: Classic Men's Clothing
- Clarks: Shoes for the Whole Family
- Debenhams: Department Store with Designer Brands
- Decathlon: Sports Gear for Every Activity
- Diesel: Cool Italian Jeans and Clothes
- Dorothy Perkins: Ladies' Fashion for Everyday
- Dr. Martens: Iconic Boots and Shoes
- Dunnes Stores: Family Clothing and More
- ECCO: Comfortable and Stylish Footwear
- Edinburgh Woollen Mill: Warm and Cozy Clothes
- Evans: Plus-Size Fashion for Ladies
- Fat Face: Casual Clothes for Outdoor Fun
- Fenwicks: Classic Department Store
- Foot Locker: All About Sports Shoes
- Forever 21: Fast Fashion for Teens
- French Connection: Modern British Style
- Gap: Casual American Clothes
- Gucci: High-End Italian Fashion
- Guess: American Designer Style
- H&M: Affordable and Trendy Fashion
- Hackett London: Classic British Menswear
- Harrods: Famous Luxury Department Store
- Harvey Nichols: Another Luxury Department Store
- Hobbs London: Upscale Ladies' Fashion
- Hollister Co.: California-Inspired Teen Fashion
- House of Fraser: Big Department Store Chain
- Hunter: Famous for Wellies
- Intimissimi: Italian Underwear and Lingerie
- J.Crew: American Style for All Ages
- Jack & Jones: Cool Jeanswear for Guys
- Jaeger: Classic British Clothing
- JD Sports: The Home of Sportswear
- Jigsaw: Stylish Clothes for Men and Women
- JoJo Maman Bébé: Clothes for Babies and Mums-to-Be
- Jones Bootmaker: Quality Footwear
- Joules: British Fashion and Lifestyle
- Lacoste: French Sporty Style
- Lady Jane: Iconic Fashion Boutique
- Ralph Lauren: American Designer Fashion
- John Lewis: Trusted Department Store
- Lillywhites: Sports Store in London
- Long Tall Sally Clothing: Fashion for Tall Women
- Lyle & Scott: British Designer Knitwear
- M&Co.: Family Clothing and Footwear
- Mango: Spanish Fashion for All
- Marks & Spencer: British Retail Giant
- Matalan: Value Fashion for the Family
- Miss Selfridge: Young Ladies' Fashion
- Monsoon: Bohemian and Stylish Clothes
- Moss Bros Group: Men's Formalwear
- Mothercare: For Mums and Babies
- Mountain Warehouse: Outdoor Gear for Adventures
- New Look: Trendy and Affordable Fashion
- Next: Popular British Fashion
- Oasis: Ladies' Fashion for Every Occasion
- Office: Stylish Shoes for All
- The Original Factory Shop: Discounted Clothing and More
- Pavers Shoes: Comfortable Footwear for All Ages
- Peacocks: Value Clothing for the Family
- Phase Eight: Elegant Women's Clothing
- Primark: Super Affordable Fashion
- Pull & Bear: Trendy Youth Fashion
- Quiz: Ladies' Fashion for Special Occasions
- Reiss: Modern and Stylish Fashion
- River Island: Trendy High Street Fashion
- Rohan: Outdoor Clothing for Explorers
- Russell & Bromley: High-Quality Footwear
- Sainsbury's: Supermarket with Clothing Line
- Schuh: Cool and Trendy Shoes
- Shoe Zone: Affordable Shoes for Everyone
- Slaters: Men's Clothing Specialists
- Paul Smith: British Designer Fashion
- Sports Direct: Big Sports Retailer
- Superdry: Japanese-Inspired British Fashion
- Sweaty Betty: Activewear for Women
- Tesco: Supermarket with Clothing Line
- TK Maxx: Designer Brands at Discount Prices
- Topshop: Trendy Fashion for Young Women
- Trespass: Outdoor Clothing and Gear
- Charles Tyrwhitt: Men's Shirts and Outfitters
- UGG Australia: Cozy Boots and Shoes
- Uniqlo: Japanese Everyday Wear
- Urban Outfitters: Trendy Lifestyle Store
- USC: Streetwear and Fashion Brands
- Victoria's Secret: Lingerie and Sleepwear
- Louis Vuitton: Luxury French Fashion
- Wallis: Ladies' Fashion for Grown-Ups
- Weird Fish: Casual and Comfortable Clothes
- Vivienne Westwood: Iconic British Designer
- White Stuff: Quirky and Colorful Fashion
- Jack Wills: British University Style
- Jack Wolfskin: Outdoor Gear for Adventures
- Wynsors World of Shoes: Family Shoe Store
- Zara: Fast Fashion from Spain
- Ermenegildo Zegna: Italian Luxury Menswear
- Vintage Voyage: Designer Clothes for Babies and Children
- Top Brands and What They Sell
- Shops That Are No Longer Open
- Adams Childrenswear: A Past for Kids' Clothes
- Allsports: A Former Sports Giant
- Hardy Amies: Designer Fashion That Closed Its Stores
- Apple Tailoring: The Beatles' Fashion Venture
- Ethel Austin: A Liverpool Fashion Story
- Bank Shops: Trendy Fashion That Closed
- Barratts Shoes: A Long History of Footwear
- Bay Trading Company: Ladieswear That Disappeared
- Biba: A Swinging Sixties Icon
- British Home Stores (BHS): A Major Department Store That Closed
- Bus Stop: A Boutique for Young Girls
- C&A: A European Fashion Giant That Left the UK
- The Chelsea Cobbler: Famous Shoe Shop
- Chelsea Girl: Became River Island
- Ciro Citterio: Men's Clothing Chain That Closed
- John Collier: A Tailoring Chain of the Past
- Contessa Lingerie: Merged into Another Brand
- Cromwells Madhouse / Madhouse: Jeans Retailer That Closed
- Curtess Shoes: Part of a Larger Collapse
- d2 Jeans: Fashion Chain That Closed
- Dolcis Shoes: A Long-Standing Shoe Shop That Closed
- Dunn & Co.: Men's Hat and Clothing Shop
- Etam: French Fashion That Left the UK
- Faith: Popular Shoe Retailer That Closed
- Fifty Shilling Tailors: Became John Collier
- First Sport: Merged into JD Sports
- Freeman, Hardy and Willis: A Historic Shoe Retailer
- JJB Sports: A Big Name in Sports That Closed
- K Shoes: A Shoe Manufacturer and Retailer That Closed Its Shops
- Kendall & Sons Ltd: Became Next
- Kookai: French Fashion That Left the UK
- Lilley & Skinner: Another Historic Shoe Retailer That Closed
- Littlewoods: From Mail Order to Closed Shops
- Lord John: Carnaby Street Fashion Pioneer
- Manfield Shoes: Part of a Retail Group's Collapse
- Mates: One of Britain's First Unisex Boutiques
- MK One: Trendy Fashion That Closed
- Principles: Ladies' Fashion Chain That Closed
- Pumpkin Patch: Childrenswear That Left the UK
- QS Shops: Discount Retailer That Closed
- Ravel Shoes: Rebranded or Closed
- Austin Reed: Formalwear Chain That Closed
- Red or Dead: From Market Stall to Brand Only
- Republic: Trendy Fashion Chain That Closed
- Richard Shops: Rebranded into Arcadia Group
- Saxone: Another Historic Shoe Retailer That Closed
- The Scotch House: Merged into Burberry
- Simpsons of Picadilly: Became DAKS
- Stead & Simpson: Shoe Retailer That Closed
- Store Twenty One: Discount Clothing Chain That Closed
- Tie Rack: Famous for Ties, Now Online Only
- Timpson: From Shoes to Shoe Repairs
- Tissimans: Claimed to be the Oldest Men's Clothing Shop
- Top Footwear for Men: Became SOLETRADER
- Tyler Shoes: Merged into Discount Shoe Zone
- Van Allen: Ladies' Fashion That Closed
- Wade Smith: Fashion Retailer That Closed
- YHA Adventure Shops: Outdoor Gear That Closed Its Stores
- Images for kids
Cool Clothing and Shoe Shops in the UK
This section explores some of the most popular and interesting clothing and footwear shops you can find in the UK today.
Top Brands and What They Sell
Many famous brands have stores across the UK, offering everything from everyday wear to special occasion outfits.
Adidas: Gear for Sports and Style
Adidas is a well-known German company that makes sports clothes and shoes. It was started in 1949 by Adolf Dassler. You can find Adidas stores, including Adidas Originals and outlet shops, all over the UK. They even have some stores that sell both Adidas and Reebok items!
Aldo Group: Trendy Shoes for Everyone
Aldo Group is a shoe shop that started in Montreal, Canada, in 1972. They opened their first UK store in 2002. They are known for offering a wide range of stylish shoes.
AllSaints: Fashion with an Edge
AllSaints started in 1994, with its first shop opening in 1997. They sell cool clothes for both guys and girls.
American Apparel: Simple and Stylish Clothes
This American brand started in 1989 and opened its first UK shop in London in 2006. They are known for their simple, comfortable clothing.
Ann Summers: Fun Underwear and More
Ann Summers was founded in London in 1970. It became a popular high street shop selling ladies' underwear and other fun items. Today, they have many stores across the UK.
Anthropologie: Unique Clothes and Home Goods
Anthropologie opened its first UK shop in London in 2009. This store sells unique women's clothing and items for your home.
ASDA: Affordable Fashion for the Family
ASDA is a big supermarket chain that also sells a lot of clothes and shoes for men, women, and children. Their "George" clothing brand, launched in 1989, is one of the biggest clothing retailers in the UK.
Ted Baker: Smart and Stylish Fashion
Ted Baker started in Glasgow in 1988, first selling menswear. They later added women's clothing and now have many standalone shops and sections in other stores across the UK.
Banana Republic: Upscale American Style
This American fashion store opened its first UK shop in London in 2008. They offer more fancy and stylish clothes.
Barbour: Outdoor Clothes for All Weather
Barbour, founded in 1894, is famous for its outdoor clothing, especially its wax jackets. They have their own shops and also sell to other stores.
Bonmarché: Ladies' Fashion for Grown-Ups
Bonmarché started in 1982 and focuses on ladies' clothing. They have many shops across the UK.
Bravissimo: Underwear for Bigger Busts
Bravissimo started in 1995 as a mail-order business. They opened their first shop in 1999, specializing in ladies' underwear for those with larger busts.
Burberry: Luxury British Fashion
Burberry is a very fancy British fashion brand that started in 1856. They are known for their classic trench coats and unique plaid patterns. They have several luxury shops in the UK.
Burtons: Classic Men's Clothing
Burtons started in 1904 and has been a popular place for men's clothing and shoes for a long time. It's now part of the Arcadia Group.
Clarks: Shoes for the Whole Family
Clarks is a very old and well-known shoe company, started in 1825 in Somerset. They sell shoes for everyone in the family and are still mostly owned by the Clark family.
Debenhams: Department Store with Designer Brands
Debenhams is a large department store that started in 1778. They are famous for their "Designers at Debenhams" range, which offers designer clothes at more affordable prices.
Decathlon: Sports Gear for Every Activity
Decathlon is a French company that sells sports clothing and footwear. They came to the UK in 1999 and have many large stores where you can find gear for almost any sport.
Diesel: Cool Italian Jeans and Clothes
Diesel is an Italian designer brand known for its jeans and stylish clothing. They opened their first UK shop in 1996.
Dorothy Perkins: Ladies' Fashion for Everyday
Dorothy Perkins has been around since 1909, offering ladies' clothing and shoes. It's now part of the Arcadia Group.
Dr. Martens: Iconic Boots and Shoes
Dr. Martens boots, famous for their yellow stitching, were first designed in 1947. The first UK shop opened in London in 1994. These shoes are known for being tough and stylish.
Dunnes Stores: Family Clothing and More
Dunnes Stores started in Ireland in 1944 and expanded to the UK in the 1970s. They sell clothes and shoes for men, women, and children, like a full department store.
ECCO: Comfortable and Stylish Footwear
ECCO is a Danish shoe company that started in 1963. They are known for making comfortable and high-quality shoes. They have many shops in the UK.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill: Warm and Cozy Clothes
This company started in 1970 and sells men's and ladies' clothing, often focusing on wool and knitwear. They have many shops across the UK.
Evans: Plus-Size Fashion for Ladies
Evans, founded in 1930, specializes in ladies' clothing, especially for plus sizes. It is part of the Arcadia Group.
Fat Face: Casual Clothes for Outdoor Fun
Fat Face started in 1988, selling T-shirts at ski resorts. They opened their first shop in 1993 and now offer casual clothing for men, women, and children, perfect for outdoor adventures.
Fenwicks: Classic Department Store
Fenwicks is a department store that started in 1882. They have several stores, including Bentalls and William & Griffin.
Foot Locker: All About Sports Shoes
Foot Locker, founded in 1974, is a popular store for sports shoes and athletic wear. You can find all the latest sneakers here.
Forever 21: Fast Fashion for Teens
This American fashion chain opened its first UK shop in 2010. They offer trendy and affordable clothing and shoes for young people.
French Connection: Modern British Style
French Connection started in 1972 and sells modern clothing for men and women. They have many shops across the UK and Europe.
Gap: Casual American Clothes
Gap is a well-known American clothing company that opened its first UK shop in 1987. They sell casual clothes and shoes for men, women, and children.
Gucci: High-End Italian Fashion
Gucci is a very famous Italian designer brand that started in 1921. They have several luxury shops in the UK, offering high-fashion clothing and accessories.
Guess: American Designer Style
Guess is an American designer brand that came back to the UK market in 2004. They sell trendy clothes and accessories.
H&M: Affordable and Trendy Fashion
H&M is a huge Swedish clothing company that opened its first UK shop in 1976. They are known for offering fashionable clothes and shoes for men, women, and children at good prices.
Hackett London: Classic British Menswear
Hackett London started in 1979, selling classic men's clothing. They have many shops in the UK and around the world.
Harrods: Famous Luxury Department Store
Harrods is a very famous and fancy department store in London, founded in 1834. It's known for its wide range of luxury goods, including designer clothing and footwear.
Harvey Nichols: Another Luxury Department Store
Harvey Nichols is another high-end department store that started in 1831. They have several stores and are known for their designer fashion.
Hobbs London: Upscale Ladies' Fashion
Hobbs London started as a shoe brand in 1981 and has grown to sell a full range of upscale ladies' clothing. They have many shops in the UK.
Hollister Co.: California-Inspired Teen Fashion
Hollister, created by Abercrombie & Fitch, is a brand aimed at teenagers. They opened their first UK shop in 2008, bringing a California-inspired style.
House of Fraser: Big Department Store Chain
House of Fraser is a large department store chain that started in 1849. They sell clothing and footwear for the whole family.
Hunter: Famous for Wellies
Hunter, founded in 1856, is best known for its iconic Wellington boots. They opened a new flagship store in London in 2015.
Intimissimi: Italian Underwear and Lingerie
Intimissimi is an Italian brand that sells underwear and lingerie. They have several shops in the UK.
J.Crew: American Style for All Ages
J.Crew is an American brand that opened its first UK shop in 2011. They sell clothing and footwear for men, women, and children.
Jack & Jones: Cool Jeanswear for Guys
Jack & Jones is a jeanswear company that started in 1990. They have many shops in the UK, offering trendy denim and casual wear for men.
Jaeger: Classic British Clothing
Jaeger, founded in 1884, is a classic British brand known for its wool clothing. They have shops and concessions across the UK.
JD Sports: The Home of Sportswear
JD Sports is a huge sports clothing and footwear retailer that started in 1981. They have hundreds of shops across the UK, selling popular sports brands.
Jigsaw: Stylish Clothes for Men and Women
Jigsaw started in 1972 and sells stylish clothing for men, women, and children. They have many shops across the UK.
JoJo Maman Bébé: Clothes for Babies and Mums-to-Be
JoJo Maman Bébé, founded in 1993, specializes in children's clothing and maternity wear. They started as a mail-order business and now have many shops.
Jones Bootmaker: Quality Footwear
Jones Bootmaker, founded in 1857, is a shoe retailer with many shops across the UK. They are known for their quality footwear.
Joules: British Fashion and Lifestyle
Joules started in 1977, selling clothes at country shows. They launched their own clothing collection in 1999 and now have many shops, offering colorful and practical fashion.
Lacoste: French Sporty Style
Lacoste, founded in 1933 by a French tennis player, is known for its sporty and stylish clothing, especially polo shirts. They have several shops in the UK.
Lady Jane: Iconic Fashion Boutique
Lady Jane was one of the first ladies' fashion boutiques on Carnaby Street in London, opening in 1966. It was an iconic place for fashion.
Ralph Lauren: American Designer Fashion
Ralph Lauren, founded in 1967, is a famous American designer brand. They opened their first UK shop in London in 1981 and sell a wide range of stylish clothing.
John Lewis: Trusted Department Store
John Lewis is a very popular department store that started in 1864. They sell clothing and footwear for the whole family and are known for their good customer service.
Lillywhites: Sports Store in London
Lillywhites, founded in 1863, is a sports clothing and footwear store. Their main shop is in Regent Street, London.
Long Tall Sally Clothing: Fashion for Tall Women
Long Tall Sally, founded in 1976, specializes in clothing and shoes for tall women (5'8" and over). They have shops and an online store.
Lyle & Scott: British Designer Knitwear
Lyle & Scott, founded in 1874, is a British designer brand known for its knitwear. They opened their first retail shop in London in 2005.
M&Co.: Family Clothing and Footwear
M&Co. started as pawnbrokers in 1834 and became a clothing business in 1953. They sell clothing and footwear for men, women, and children and have many shops.
Mango: Spanish Fashion for All
Mango is a fashion shop that started in Barcelona, Spain, in 1995. They have many shops in the UK, offering trendy clothes.
Marks & Spencer: British Retail Giant
Marks & Spencer, founded in 1884, is one of the UK's largest clothing and footwear retailers. They started as a small market stall and grew into a huge company.
Matalan: Value Fashion for the Family
Matalan, founded in 1985, offers clothing and footwear for men, women, and children at good value prices. They have many large stores.
Miss Selfridge: Young Ladies' Fashion
Miss Selfridge started in 1966 as a young fashion section in Selfridges department store. It's now part of the Arcadia Group and has many shops selling trendy clothes for young women.
Monsoon: Bohemian and Stylish Clothes
Monsoon, started in 1973, sells children's and ladies' clothing, often with a bohemian and unique style. They have many shops across the UK.
Moss Bros Group: Men's Formalwear
Moss Bros Group, founded in 1851, specializes in men's clothing, especially suits and formalwear. They have many shops and offer suit hire.
Mothercare: For Mums and Babies
Mothercare, founded in 1961, sells maternity wear for expectant mothers and clothing and footwear for children. They have shops across the UK.
Mountain Warehouse: Outdoor Gear for Adventures
Mountain Warehouse, started in 1997, sells outdoor clothing and footwear for men, women, and children. They have many shops, perfect for finding gear for hiking and camping.
New Look: Trendy and Affordable Fashion
New Look, started in 1969, offers trendy and affordable clothing and footwear for men, women, and children. They have hundreds of shops.
Next: Popular British Fashion
Next, started in 1982, is a very popular British clothing and footwear retailer for the whole family. They have many shops and a strong online presence.
Oasis: Ladies' Fashion for Every Occasion
Oasis, started in 1991, sells ladies' clothing. They have many shops and concessions in department stores.
Office: Stylish Shoes for All
Office, founded in 1981, is a popular shoe retailer. They started as a small section in another store and now have many shops selling stylish footwear for men and women.
The Original Factory Shop: Discounted Clothing and More
This discounter started in 1969, selling various goods, including clothing and footwear, at lower prices. They have many shops.
Pavers Shoes: Comfortable Footwear for All Ages
Pavers Shoes, a family-owned business started in 1971, sells comfortable footwear. They have many shops across the UK.
Peacocks: Value Clothing for the Family
Peacocks, started in 1884, offers clothing and footwear for men, women, and children at good prices. They have many shops across the UK.
Phase Eight: Elegant Women's Clothing
Phase Eight, founded in 1979, specializes in elegant women's clothing. They have many shops and concessions.
Primark: Super Affordable Fashion
Primark, opened in 1969 in Dublin, is famous for its very affordable clothing and footwear for men, women, and children. They have huge stores and are very popular.
Pull & Bear: Trendy Youth Fashion
Pull & Bear, founded in 1986, is a fashion retailer aimed at young people. They opened their first UK shop in 2008.
Quiz: Ladies' Fashion for Special Occasions
Quiz, started in 1993, sells ladies' clothing and footwear, often focusing on trendy and occasion wear. They have many shops.
Reiss: Modern and Stylish Fashion
Reiss, founded in 1971, offers modern and stylish fashion for men and women. They have many shops and concessions.
River Island: Trendy High Street Fashion
River Island, founded in 1947, is a popular high street fashion retailer for men and women. They have many shops across the UK.
Rohan: Outdoor Clothing for Explorers
Rohan, founded in 1972, sells outdoor clothing and gear. They are known for their practical and durable items for adventurers.
Russell & Bromley: High-Quality Footwear
Russell & Bromley, founded in 1873, is a shoe retailer known for its high-quality footwear. They have many shops, including a famous one on Bond Street in London.
Sainsbury's: Supermarket with Clothing Line
Sainsbury's, a large supermarket chain, started selling clothes in 1960. Their "TU" clothing range is very popular for families.
Schuh: Cool and Trendy Shoes
Schuh, founded in 1981, is a popular shoe retailer known for its cool and trendy footwear brands. They have many shops across the UK.
Shoe Zone: Affordable Shoes for Everyone
Shoe Zone, started in 1917, is a footwear retailer known for its affordable prices. They have hundreds of shops across the UK.
Slaters: Men's Clothing Specialists
Slaters, founded in 1973 in Glasgow, Scotland, specializes in menswear. They have many shops and are still owned by the Slater family.
Paul Smith: British Designer Fashion
Paul Smith, founded in 1970, is a famous British fashion designer brand for men, women, and children. They have several shops in England.
Sports Direct: Big Sports Retailer
Sports Direct, founded in 1982, is a huge sportswear retailer. They have hundreds of shops and sell a wide range of sports clothing, footwear, and equipment.
Superdry: Japanese-Inspired British Fashion
Superdry, founded in 1985, is a popular fashion brand known for its Japanese-inspired British style. They have many shops across the UK.
Sweaty Betty: Activewear for Women
Sweaty Betty, founded in 1998, specializes in activewear for women. They have many boutiques in London and other locations.
Tesco: Supermarket with Clothing Line
Tesco, a large supermarket chain, started selling clothes in 1960. They offer clothing and footwear for men, women, and children.
TK Maxx: Designer Brands at Discount Prices
TK Maxx, opened in the UK in 1994, is known for selling designer brands and other items at discounted prices. You can find clothing and footwear for the whole family here.
Topshop: Trendy Fashion for Young Women
Topshop, founded in 1964, is a very popular fashion store for young women. It started as a department store section and grew into a standalone business, now part of the Arcadia Group.
Trespass: Outdoor Clothing and Gear
Trespass, founded in 1984, makes and sells outdoor clothing and gear. They have many shops across the UK, perfect for adventurers.
Charles Tyrwhitt: Men's Shirts and Outfitters
Charles Tyrwhitt, founded in 1986, specializes in men's shirts and other clothing. They started as a mail-order business and now have shops in London and other cities.
UGG Australia: Cozy Boots and Shoes
UGG Australia, founded in 1978, is famous for its cozy sheepskin boots. They have several shops in the UK.
Uniqlo: Japanese Everyday Wear
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing retailer that opened its first UK shop in 2001. They are known for their high-quality, basic clothing items.
Urban Outfitters: Trendy Lifestyle Store
Urban Outfitters, founded in 1970, is an American fashion retailer that opened its first UK shop in 1998. They sell trendy clothing, accessories, and home goods.
USC: Streetwear and Fashion Brands
USC, founded in 1989, sells streetwear and fashion brands for men and women. It is now part of Sports Direct.
Victoria's Secret: Lingerie and Sleepwear
Victoria's Secret, founded in 1977, is a famous lingerie retailer. They opened their first UK shop in London in 2012 and have expanded since.
Louis Vuitton: Luxury French Fashion
Louis Vuitton is a very high-end French designer brand that started in 1854, originally making travel trunks. Their first shop in London opened in 1885.
Wallis: Ladies' Fashion for Grown-Ups
Wallis, founded in 1923, sells ladies' clothing. It is now part of the Arcadia Group and has many shops.
Weird Fish: Casual and Comfortable Clothes
Weird Fish, founded in 1993, makes casual and comfortable clothing for men, women, and children. They opened their first shops in 1999.
Vivienne Westwood: Iconic British Designer
Vivienne Westwood is a famous British designer known for her unique and rebellious fashion. She has several shops in the UK.
White Stuff: Quirky and Colorful Fashion
White Stuff, founded in 1985, sells quirky and colorful fashion for men and women. They have many shops and concessions across the UK.
Jack Wills: British University Style
Jack Wills, founded in 1999, is a British fashion brand that started by targeting university students. They sell clothing for men and women with a "Fabulously British" style.
Jack Wolfskin: Outdoor Gear for Adventures
Jack Wolfskin, founded in 1981, is a German company that makes outdoor wear and equipment. They have several shops in the UK.
Wynsors World of Shoes: Family Shoe Store
Wynsors World of Shoes, started in the 1980s, is a footwear retailer with many shops, offering shoes for the whole family.
Zara: Fast Fashion from Spain
Zara, founded in 1975 in Spain, is a very popular fashion retailer. They opened their first UK shop in 1998 and offer trendy clothing and footwear for men, women, and children.
Ermenegildo Zegna: Italian Luxury Menswear
Ermenegildo Zegna, founded in 1910, is an Italian designer brand known for its luxury menswear. They have several shops in the UK.
Vintage Voyage: Designer Clothes for Babies and Children
Vintage Voyage, founded in 2010, is a British company that creates vintage-style children's clothing. They are known for their high quality and traditional craftsmanship, including hand embroidery and lace.
Shops That Are No Longer Open
This section looks at some clothing and shoe shops that used to be popular in the UK but have now closed down or changed their names.
Adams Childrenswear: A Past for Kids' Clothes
Adams Childrenswear, started in 1933, used to be a well-known chain for kids' clothes. It went through several changes and finally closed in 2010.
Allsports: A Former Sports Giant
Allsports was a big chain of sports clothing shops. It closed in 2005, and many of its stores were taken over by JD Sports.
Hardy Amies: Designer Fashion That Closed Its Stores
Hardy Amies started his fashion business in 1946. While the brand name still exists, its retail shops closed in 2008.
Apple Tailoring: The Beatles' Fashion Venture
Apple Tailoring was a shop that The Beatles invested in, renaming it from Dandie Fashions in 1968. However, it closed just a few months later.
Ethel Austin: A Liverpool Fashion Story
Ethel Austin started her fashion business in Liverpool in 1934. After many changes and financial difficulties, the company was closed in 2013.
Bank Shops: Trendy Fashion That Closed
Bank Shops, started in 1994, was a popular fashion retailer. It went into administration and closed in 2015.
Barratts Shoes: A Long History of Footwear
Barratts Shoes, founded in 1903, was a well-known shoe chain. After many years and different owners, its physical shops closed in 2013, though the name still exists online.
Bay Trading Company: Ladieswear That Disappeared
Bay Trading Company was a ladieswear shop that closed in 2009.
Biba: A Swinging Sixties Icon
Biba started as a mail-order business in 1964 and became a famous fashion shop in London during the 1960s. Its main store closed in 1975, and while the brand has been revived, it's no longer the same.
British Home Stores (BHS): A Major Department Store That Closed
BHS was a large department store chain that started in 1928. It faced financial problems and sadly closed all its stores in 2016.
Bus Stop: A Boutique for Young Girls
Bus Stop was a fashion boutique for young girls that opened in 1968. It was seen as a more affordable option than Biba but closed in 1979.
C&A: A European Fashion Giant That Left the UK
C&A, a big European fashion retailer, opened its first UK shop in 1922. However, due to competition, they closed all their UK stores in 2001.
The Chelsea Cobbler: Famous Shoe Shop
The Chelsea Cobbler, opened in 1967, was a famous shoe shop in London. While the brand name has been relaunched, its standalone shops have closed.
Chelsea Girl: Became River Island
Chelsea Girl, founded in 1965, was a popular ladies' fashion shop. It later merged with its menswear brand to become River Island in 1988.
Ciro Citterio: Men's Clothing Chain That Closed
Ciro Citterio was a menswear chain that closed down in 2005 after facing many difficulties.
John Collier: A Tailoring Chain of the Past
John Collier was a men's tailoring chain that was very popular. It was rebranded and eventually discontinued in 1985.
Contessa Lingerie: Merged into Another Brand
Contessa Lingerie was a national lingerie chain. Its shops were merged into the La Senza brand in 2006.
Cromwells Madhouse / Madhouse: Jeans Retailer That Closed
Cromwells Madhouse, later just Madhouse, was a jeans retailer that started in 1971. It faced financial troubles and closed in 2012.
Curtess Shoes: Part of a Larger Collapse
Curtess Shoes was a shoe retailer that closed in 1997 as part of a larger business group's collapse.
d2 Jeans: Fashion Chain That Closed
d2 Jeans was a fashion shop for men and women that closed in 2011.
Dolcis Shoes: A Long-Standing Shoe Shop That Closed
Dolcis Shoes, which started selling shoes from a street barrow in 1863, was a well-known shoe retailer. It went into administration and closed in 2008.
Dunn & Co.: Men's Hat and Clothing Shop
Dunn & Co. was founded in 1887, starting by selling hats. It was a men's clothing chain that closed in 1996.
Etam: French Fashion That Left the UK
Etam was a French fashion company with stores in the UK. Its UK shops were closed in 2005, though the brand has since made a small return.
Faith: Popular Shoe Retailer That Closed
Faith, started in 1964, was a popular shoe retailer with many standalone shops and sections in department stores. All its shops closed in 2010.
Fifty Shilling Tailors: Became John Collier
Fifty Shilling Tailors, founded in 1905, was a large tailoring business. It was later rebranded as John Collier.
First Sport: Merged into JD Sports
First Sport was a chain of sports shops that was purchased by JD Sports in 2002.
Freeman, Hardy and Willis: A Historic Shoe Retailer
Freeman, Hardy and Willis, established in 1875, was a major shoe retailer. Its shops were eventually closed or rebranded in 1997.
JJB Sports: A Big Name in Sports That Closed
JJB Sports was a very big sports shop chain that started in the early 1900s. After expanding greatly, it faced financial problems and closed in 2009.
K Shoes: A Shoe Manufacturer and Retailer That Closed Its Shops
K Shoes, founded in 1842, was a shoe manufacturing company that also had its own shops. Its retail shops closed in the 1990s.
Kendall & Sons Ltd: Became Next
Kendall & Sons Ltd, which started as an umbrella manufacturer in 1870, later sold ladies' clothing. It was rebranded and relaunched as Next in 1983.
Kookai: French Fashion That Left the UK
Kookai, a French fashion label, closed its UK business in 2013.
Lilley & Skinner: Another Historic Shoe Retailer That Closed
Lilley & Skinner, founded in 1835, was a long-standing shoe retailer. Its shops were eventually closed or rebranded by Shoe Zone in 2008.
Littlewoods: From Mail Order to Closed Shops
Littlewoods, which started as a football pools company, expanded into mail-order and then retail shops. All its 119 shops closed in 2005.
Lord John: Carnaby Street Fashion Pioneer
Lord John, founded in 1963 on Carnaby Street, was a men's fashion boutique that sold clothes for the "mods" of the era. It later closed its shops.
Manfield Shoes: Part of a Retail Group's Collapse
Manfield Shoes, founded in 1844, was a shoe retailer that closed in 1997 as part of a larger business group's collapse.
Mates: One of Britain's First Unisex Boutiques
Mates, founded on Carnaby Street, was one of Britain's first unisex fashion boutiques. It expanded nationwide but later closed.
MK One: Trendy Fashion That Closed
MK One was a trendy fashion retailer that faced financial difficulties and closed most of its shops in 2008.
Principles: Ladies' Fashion Chain That Closed
Principles, founded in 1984, was a popular ladies' fashion chain. All its 66 shops closed in 2009, though the brand continues as part of Debenhams.
Pumpkin Patch: Childrenswear That Left the UK
Pumpkin Patch, a childrenswear brand from New Zealand, closed its UK shops in 2012.
QS Shops: Discount Retailer That Closed
QS Shops, which started selling clothing in the 1960s, went into administration and closed in 2006.
Ravel Shoes: Rebranded or Closed
Ravel Shoes, founded in 1934, was a shoe retailer. Its shops were either rebranded or closed by Clarks in 2007.
Austin Reed: Formalwear Chain That Closed
Austin Reed, a men's clothing shop founded in 1900, went into administration and closed all its 120 shops in 2016.
Red or Dead: From Market Stall to Brand Only
Red or Dead started as a market stall in 1982 and grew into a fashion brand with shops. Its retail shops closed, and it now operates as a design brand only.
Republic: Trendy Fashion Chain That Closed
Republic, a trendy fashion chain, went into administration in 2013. Some shops were merged with USC, and others closed.
Richard Shops: Rebranded into Arcadia Group
Richard Shops, founded in 1927, was a ladies' fashion chain. It was eventually closed and its shops were converted to other Arcadia Group brands in 1999.
Saxone: Another Historic Shoe Retailer That Closed
Saxone, founded in 1901, was a shoe retailer and manufacturer. Its shops closed in 1997 as part of a larger business group's collapse.
The Scotch House: Merged into Burberry
The Scotch House, a wool and cashmere retailer founded in 1900, closed in 2002 and was merged into the Burberry brand.
Simpsons of Picadilly: Became DAKS
Simpsons of Picadilly, founded in 1894, was a famous clothing shop. It was renamed DAKS in 2000.
Stead & Simpson: Shoe Retailer That Closed
Stead & Simpson, a shoe retailer, went into administration in 2008, and most of its shops were converted to the Shoe Zone brand.
Store Twenty One: Discount Clothing Chain That Closed
Store Twenty One, which sold men's, ladies', and children's clothing, went into administration twice and finally closed all its remaining stores in 2017.
Tie Rack: Famous for Ties, Now Online Only
Tie Rack, founded in 1981, was famous for its many shops selling ties. All its UK shops closed in 2013, and it now operates online.
Timpson: From Shoes to Shoe Repairs
Timpson, founded in 1865, started as a shoe retailer. In 1987, they sold off their shoe retailing business to focus on shoe repairs.
Tissimans: Claimed to be the Oldest Men's Clothing Shop
Tissimans, which claimed to be the world's oldest men's clothing establishment, closed in 2013.
Top Footwear for Men: Became SOLETRADER
Top Footwear for Men, founded in 1962, was a shoe shop chain that eventually changed its name to SOLETRADER in 1992.
Tyler Shoes: Merged into Discount Shoe Zone
Tyler Shoes, founded in 1817, was a shoe manufacturer and retailer. Its shops were incorporated into the Discount Shoe Zone brand in 1996.
Van Allen: Ladies' Fashion That Closed
Van Allen was a ladies' fashion shop that closed in 1981.
Wade Smith: Fashion Retailer That Closed
Wade Smith, a fashion retailer founded in 1981, closed down in 2005.
YHA Adventure Shops: Outdoor Gear That Closed Its Stores
YHA Adventure Shops, which started as a mail-order business in 1950, had physical shops selling outdoor gear. The company was wound up in 2004.
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