Topshop in U.S. – Will London street style work in the U.S.?

Case Study Abstract

The focus of this case study is the entry strategy of UK’s successful fast-fashion retailer Topshop in the U.S. This case briefly discusses Topshop’s business strategy, its early years and its success in UK fashion market. Can Topshop replicate its success in the U.S. market?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction – British retail chain Topshop’s U.S. debut
2. The Topshop Brand – a destination for pioneering British fashion
3. Background Note – Topshop in its early years
4. Topshop – History/Timeline/Important Events
5. Topshop’s entry and strategy in the US
6. Competition – Where will Topshop fit in the US retail scene?
7. Exhibit I: Typical Business Strategy of Fast-Fashion retailers
8. Topshop – Awards and Reputation
9. Exhibit II: Foreign Retailers in the United States
10. Exhibit III: Future expansion plans of foreign retailers in the U.S.
11. Exhibit IV: Services offered by Topshop
12. Exhibit V: Topshop Collections
13. Exhibit VI: Facts about the Arcadia Group
14. Exhibit VII: Fashion Brands under the Arcadia Group
15. Questions for discussion

Case Study Keywords: Fashion Retailing, Sir Philip Green, Topshop, Topman, Arcadia Group, Retailing in US, Fast-Fashion Market, entry strategy, international expansion

Case Questions for Discussion

1. Analyze Topshop’s entry strategy in the United States. Do you think it is the right move?
2. Compare and contrast your experience from your visit to a fast-fashion chain and other retail chains. What can Topshop do to add more value to its customers?

Case Snippets/Updates

• Topshop is present in around 30 countries. The Arcadia Group owned by billionaire Philip Green owns Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge brands. Arcadia also owns the Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Evans, Outfit and Burton chains. By 2009, the Arcadia Group had 3,115 owned and franchised outlets in 34 countries.
• In 2006, Sir Philip Green, owner of Arcadia Group was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. In 2002, he bought Arcadia for 850 million pounds. He and his family own about 90 percent of Arcadia. In 2001, he bought department store British Home Stores (BHS) and is known for successful turnarounds in the retail industry.
• In 2009 (12 months to August 29, 2009), Arcadia posted a 13% rise in pre-tax profits to £213.6 million. The growth marks a turnaround in performance after profits declined in the previous two years by 5% and 1.6% respectively.