Collapsed UK fashion chain returns to high street THIS WEEK seven years after closing all 149 stores

A MAJOR British fashion brand will return to the high street this week after seven years away. The clothing retailer has set its sights on bricks-and-mortar trading once again, having scrapped all stores back in 2019. A famous British fashion brand is making its return to the high street Credit: Alamy Karen Millen closed all of its in-person locations seven years ago Credit: Alamy Karen Millen has only been available to buy online since the brand’s collapse into administration in 2019. The move saw the beloved fashion brand, which has been sported by Princess Kate, shut all its remaining 32 stores and 117 department store concessions. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! After the closure of all sites, Karen Millen, which was founded in 1981, was acquired by current owner, Debenhams Group. It later switched to an online-only business model. But it’s now set to take its place back in the in-person shopping world, with new concession stores preparing to open, Drapers has reported. Its upcoming return will begin with the opening its first concession at Fosse Park in Leicester tomorrow (August 14). Two more locations will open later in the month, with Aberdeen’s Union Square and Liverpool ONE welcoming the brand on August 17. More concessions are set to follow, although Karen Millen has not yet confirmed when or where. Most read in Money It’s believed that Karen Millen will sit within stores owned by The Foschini Group, which has the likes of Hobbs, Phase Eight, Whistles and White Stuff in its brand portfolio. The decision behind the Karen Millen return was made in light of increasing customer demand for in-real-life shopping. The development means that shoppers will no longer have to rely on just seeing photos of Karen Millen pieces before they buy. Customers will also be able to try the clothes on for the first time since Karen Millen left the high street. Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, told Drapers: “Our customers want great fashion, but they also want to experience brands in different ways, and physical retail gives us another opportunity to do that.” It’s hoped that the expansion of the occasionwear brand will open Karen Millen up to a new generation of shoppers – as well as better serve those who have always loved it. Comment now