Topman

In 1978, the British high street saw the launch of a new menswear brand, Topman, created by the Burton Group. It was established as the male counterpart to the already popular Topshop, which had been founded over a decade earlier. The goal was straightforward: to offer affordable, trend-driven fashion and change how young men approached shopping. Topman quickly became a fixture in the UK, known for everything from sharp, well-priced suits to casual t-shirts and leather jackets. For decades, Topman operated as a key part of its parent company, later renamed the Arcadia Group. It expanded internationally, opening stores in major cities like New York and across Japan, and became a cultural touchstone for many. The brand was recognized for its commitment to new designers and even won awards for its retail approach. The pivotal moment in Topman's journey came in late 2020, when the Arcadia Group collapsed into administration, a result of underinvestment and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to a major shift in the business landscape. In February 2021, online fashion giant ASOS acquired the Topman brand, along with Topshop, for £265 million. The acquisition did not include the physical stores, moving Topman to an online-only model and signaling the end of its high street presence. More recently, in September 2024, ASOS sold a 75% stake in Topman and Topshop to the Danish company Bestseller, marking another chapter in the brand's evolution.