Iconic British menswear brand TM Lewin has returned to the high street after a five-year absence. The renowned shirtmaker, which was forced to close all 66 of its stores and lay off 700 employees in 2020 amid the first collapse during the Covid pandemic, has now opened a brand new flagship store.

The brand faced closure when it went into administration in 2020, only to be rescued by Torque Brands, then once again in 2022 until being salvaged by TM Lewin Shirtmaker Limited, owned by primary creditor Petra Group. Following a brief revitalisation of its online presence six weeks subsequent to the second collapse, TM Lewin has proudly announced its high street resurrection.

In a statement, the company said: "We are pleased to announce we are officially back on the High Street. After a five year hiatus it just felt right.

"The demand was high and our eagerness to give you what you wanted was higher. We thank you for your ongoing support, patience and loyalty and cannot wait to welcome you. Let's hope this is the first of many."

Dan Ferris, managing director of famed menswear brand TM Lewin, expressed his excitement about their latest venture: "

He said: "We are thrilled to open our new store on Bow Lane, in the heart of the City of London. This flagship location is a key part of our strategy to connect with the next generation of customers who value high quality, tailored menswear that complements their busy, modern lifestyles. Our aim is to offer a more personalised and immersive experience that enhances our online presence."

A cornerstone in British tailoring, TM Lewin was established in 1898 by Thomas Mayes Lewin and Geoffrey James Lewin, carving out a reputation for its exquisite suits and shirts. The company managed to uphold an impressive portfolio of over 150 shops prior to the pandemic.

Financial records submitted to Companies House revealed a worrying trend, showcasing a spike in debt owed by TM Lewin—from £24.6 million to a staggering £33.8 million in the latter half of the previous year.

In another uplifting move for British retail, iconic fashion and homeware label Cath Kidston has made a triumphant return to the high street. Revered for its quintessential vintage styles and floral delights, Cath Kidston threw open the doors to a fresh London outpost in October last year, rebounding after shutting down all its stores in June 2023 post-administration turmoil.

The launch whipped up excitement among fans as hinted by a tantalising Instagram announcement: "Why yes. Yes, you guessed right. We do indeed we have a new home opening soon. Can anyone tell where in London we'll be opening our doors?" Back in 2020, the company's collapse dealt a hefty blow to the retail sector, resulting in nearly 1,000 job losses.

The rescue of the brand came from private investment firm Baring Private Equity Asia, which subsequently sold the business to restructuring firm Hilco Capital in 2022. Next then acquired the Cath Kidston brand name, domain names and intellectual property in a deal worth £8.5million last year - however, this did not include its physical stores.