Ted Baker's Final Curtain: Iconic Brand Closes Stores, 500 Jobs at Risk

The curtain has fallen on one of the UK's most iconic fashion brands as Ted Baker faces the closure of its final stores, putting approximately 500 jobs at risk. The firm behind the brand, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), entered administration in March 2023, marking a significant decline for a once-thriving name in the fashion industry. Founded in 1988 by Ray Kelvin in Glasgow, Ted Baker started as a menswear label and expanded its reach across the UK and the United States, with a robust network further extending into Asia and the Middle East through licensing agreements. At its peak, the brand boasted around 975 employees and operated 46 shops, complemented by a successful e-commerce platform and concessions within department stores. However, the brand's journey has been marred by instability in recent years. The resignation of founder Ray Kelvin in 2019, following allegations of misconduct—which he denied—set off a chain reaction that would ultimately lead to the brand's downfall. His successors, Lindsay Page and chairman David Bernstein, also departed in 2020 after issuing a profit warning, further signaling trouble for the company's financial health. Initially, following the administration announcement, US-based Authentic Brands Group acquired the intellectual property rights to Ted Baker while NODL continued operating the brand within the UK. Authentic Brands Group described the challenges stemming from a previous partnership as "too much to overcome," underscoring the difficulties that plagued the brand’s operations. In April, there were hopes that Authentic Brands Group would forge a new path for Ted Baker through partnership discussions with potential UK and European operating partners. However, recent reports from Sky News have confirmed that these talks have stalled, leaving the brand's future increasingly uncertain. As of now, NODL employs 513 individuals across its UK stores and head office, and the impending closures raise questions about the fate of these jobs. The loss of Ted Baker from the high street not only signifies the end of an era for a beloved British brand but also highlights the greater challenges facing the retail sector in the wake of shifting consumer trends and economic pressures. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the story of Ted Baker serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in a challenging market landscape. The imminent loss of jobs and the shuttering of stores will undoubtedly resonate within the communities that have embraced the brand, marking a poignant moment in the history of British retail.