Ted Baker shops are being shut down across the UK today after the fashion brand renowned among royals and celebrities collapsed into administration.
The firm’s stores are expected to disappear from British high streets by the end of the day, some 36 years since the chain first opened in Glasgow.
Its 31 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland are closing, with pictures showing the shutters coming down, while the company’s website has also been pulled.
Ted Baker was founded by Ray Kelvin in 1988, and the brand’s clothing and accessories have been widely recognised for their patterns and florals.
But Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets for Hargreaves Lansdown, said the nationwide stores had now come to a ‘sorry conclusion in a very tough fashion retail environment’.
The entrance of a closed Ted Baker store was seen today on Regent Street in London
The firm’s stores, including this one in the capital’s West End, are expected to disappear from British high streets by the end of the day, some 36 years since the chain opened in Glasgow
Pedestrians walk past a closed Ted Baker store on Regent Street in London today – as it emerged that the fashion brand’s 31 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland are closing
Ted Baker’s celebrity fans have included Amal Clooney, Emma Stone and Holly Willoughby.
And the Princess of Wales wore a navy Ted Baker trench during the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Canada tour in July 2011.
But the company’s future was put at risk when the firm behind its UK shops, No Ordinary Designer Label Limited (NODL), fell into administration in March.
A different American company, Authentic Brands, which owns Ted Baker’s intellectual property, said that despite ‘tireless efforts’ it could not ‘overcome’ the financial issues the business faced.
Authentic blamed the process on ‘damage’ done during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group, and the ‘significant level of arrears’ that had built up during the association.
Ted Baker had also flagged economic challenges in recent years, having faced weaker consumer demand and difficulties in its supply chain, after being among the luxury retailers to take a hit during the Covid pandemic.
Ms Streeter said: ‘Ted Baker shot into the fashion limelight with tailored ranges that quenched a thirst for luxury amid mid-market shoppers.
‘Although lockdowns were like a bad dream for many retailers, they were a nightmare for Ted Baker, which relied heavily on formal and occasion wear and did not have an effective online operation to rely on.
A map of all Ted Baker stores set to close, including concessions in department stores
A Ted Baker store on Regent Street in London. The brand had 12 stores across the capital, as well as shops in all four of London’s main airports
Pedestrians pass a Ted Baker store on Regent Street in London – Ted Baker is set to close all its UK stores, the retailer has announced
People were yesterday seen reading closure notices at the Ted Baker store on Regent Street
The windows of the Regent Street branch have been covered up as more stores are set to close
Ted Baker at London Bridge. 15 stores closed in April after No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), fell into administration in March
‘The cost-of-living squeeze on fashion budgets was another hammer blow for its mid-market ranges, particularly with online fashion giants like Shein offering highly creative garments at a fraction of the price.’
The failure to save the shops puts hundreds of jobs at risk.
Some 513 employees of NODL across the UK and in its head office, as well as 78 in Ireland, are expected to be affected by the remaining closures.
About 245 staff were made redundant after 15 shops were shut earlier in the year.
Ted Baker’s UK website has also been removed, with customers told it is ‘not taking orders right now’ and that they have 14 days to return orders made online.
Authentic previously said it was hoping to find new UK and European operating partners to run the Ted Baker brand, which is currently sold through department stores and retailers such as John Lewis and House of Fraser.
There had been reports that a licensing partnership could be struck with Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, but it is understood that the two companies are no longer in talks.
Authentic, the US-based firm also behind global brands including Juicy Couture and Reebok, bought Ted Baker for £211million in 2022.
The then-Kate Middleton was snapped wearing a navy Ted Baker trench on several occasions (pictured attending the last day of the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival meeting in 2008)
Holly Willoughby is another celebrity who has been pictured wearing Ted Baker designs – including this floral printed frock
High-profile lawyer Amal Clooney is seen sporting a pale blue mini dress from Ted Baker
A Ted Baker shop in Covent Garden. The brand was acquired by Juicy Couture and Reebok parent Authentic Brands
A Ted Baker store showing a clearance sale in July. Customers have 14 days for online returns and no new orders are being accepted
It did not comment on the confirmation of shop closures this week.
Ted Baker continues to have more than 30 licensing partners globally that are unaffected by the UK and Ireland administration, including in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The company had a strong presence in department stores including concessions in House of Fraser, Fenwick, Selfridges and over 20 locations in John Lewis stores.
Ted Baker’s founder Ray Kelvin left the business in 2019 after allegations he forced female employees to embrace him and sit on his lap, as well as massaging his employees and kissing their ears.
Mr Kelvin denied all alleged misconduct.