Ted Baker Closes Its Remaining UK Stores

Ted Baker, a well-known name on British high streets, has closed its remaining stores, marking a sad end to its presence in the UK. This comes after months of financial trouble and the recent collapse of its UK holding company, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL).

The brand, which was once vibrant and popular, has struggled significantly since its founder, Ray Kelvin, stepped down in 2019. His departure followed serious allegations of inappropriate behavior, which he denied, and since then, the company has faced a tough road with profit warnings and executive shake-ups.

Earlier this year, Ted Baker closed 15 of its stores, which resulted in 245 job losses, a heavy blow for its dedicated employees. The global economic downturn and the shift to online shopping have not helped either, putting this beloved British fashion brand in a tight spot.

Frasers Group, which owns Sports Direct among other brands, had been in talks with Authentic Brands Group, the current owners of Ted Baker’s intellectual property, hoping to secure a licensing deal. However, those talks seem to be stuck and without progress, leading to the final closures.

Now, with all Ted Baker UK stores shut, the future of the brand in the UK hangs in the balance. The outlook doesn’t appear bright, especially given the disappointing sales figures and significant financial arrears that have contributed to this turmoil.