Topshop Launches in the US, Fast Fashion Defies the Slowing Economy

Last week I wrote about how British fashion is taking off in the UK and abroad. Paul Smith continues to expand his brand worldwide and British themed accessories and luxury gifts are flying off the shelves. It’s not just high end British fashion that is enjoying a resurgence, one of the biggest fashion stores on our highstreet, Topshop, has just launched in the United States.

The iconic brand’s American flagship store is just about to open in Manhattan’s SoHo. It was due to open last Autumn but problems with planning and the re-building of the store held them back.

“New York is one of those first three or four cities that every fashion brand wants to operate in,”  Sir Philip Green

Topshop has been trading in the UK since 1964 with Topman coming later on in 1978. It has been doing well lately as consumers become more interested in ‘fast’ (some say throwaway) fashion aping new catwalk trends for a fraction of the price. The store will no doubt do well in New York with cash strapped fashionistas looking for handbags but may well struggle to take the whole country by storm.

Topshop have an advantage over other high street brands such as Gap according to retail consultant Howard Davidowitz because they can be diverse and dynamic enough to keep up with the fickle tastes of young fashion forward people.

“Gap has been underwater for six or seven years. Along comes fast fashion — H&M started it — and it’s a revolution.”

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