Radley London closes all UK stores after 28 years

Radley London has permanently closed all its physical stores in the UK after 28 years of operation. The handbag and accessories retailer entered administration in May due to what FTI Consulting described as a “sustained period of challenging economic conditions.”

While Gordon Brothers, the owner of Poundland and LK Bennett, acquired the brand’s intellectual property and certain assets through a pre-pack administration deal, the agreement did not include Radley’s 21 UK stores. The closure has resulted in the loss of 42 jobs. Founded in 1998 at London’s Camden Market, the brand was known for leather handbags, footwear, and various licensed products.

In a separate development for the UK high street, luxury womenswear brand Karen Millen is returning to physical retail after a seven-year absence. Following its 2019 administration and subsequent acquisition by Boohoo Group, the brand had operated exclusively online. It will now relaunch through a series of new concessions across the UK, focusing on its signature Forever Collection and occasionwear.