This week marks the end of an era for Ted Baker as the iconic fashion brand closes its remaining 31 stores across the UK, with more than 500 jobs at risk. The closures are expected to be completed by Tuesday, August 20, following the administration of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), the company behind Ted Baker’s UK retail operations.
NODL entered administration in March 2024, and in April, administrators shut down 15 stores, resulting in the loss of 245 jobs. Before going into administration, Ted Baker operated 46 stores and employed approximately 975 people. The brand also had a significant presence through its e-commerce platform and department store concessions.
Ted Baker’s intellectual property is owned by Authentic Brands Group, a US-based firm that also owns Juicy Couture and Reebok. The administration of NODL has been partly attributed to “damage” incurred during a partnership with Dutch company AARC Group, as well as significant arrears that accumulated during that association.
According to Sky News, talks between Frasers Group, owned by retail magnate Mike Ashley, and Authentic Brands Group regarding a potential deal involving both Ted Baker and Reebok have stalled. However, sources close to Authentic have denied that ongoing negotiations are taking place.
As the remaining stores close their doors, Ted Baker’s presence in the UK high street will be greatly diminished. The impact on the brand’s workforce and the retail landscape further highlights the challenges faced by fashion retailers amid ongoing economic pressures.
