A major name in UK fashion faces the threat of shuttering all stores and axing every member of staff. LK Bennett, established in 1990 by Linda Bennett, delivered luxury style to the high street.
Renowned for spearheading the contemporary kitten heel trend, the label has become synonymous with bold, feminine frocks and crisp tailoring – a trusted choice of the Princess of Wales for understated sophistication.
Nevertheless, it could be poised to vanish from the high street permanently despite a successful rescue agreement. Last week, LK Bennett was acquired by the Gordon Brothers, in a transaction that secured the intellectual property, but not the retail outlets.
The label operates around 13 concessions and nine stores, employing 89 staff members – however it has now been reported by Drapers that they will only continue trading for « up to three months, » with their fate beyond that period remaining uncertain.
John Noon, joint administrator and senior director at Alvarez and Marsal, told Drapers: « Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores and via the concession partners for a period of up to three months. its heritage of craftsmanship and quality for which it has been historically renowned, » he added.
This marks the second rescue of the brand, following its purchase from administration in 2019 by Chinese investors, but it recorded a £3.5m net loss in 2023 having generated a £1.8m profit the year before.
A complete list of LK Bennett stores under threat is:
Bluewater shopping centre.
Chester Duke of York Square, Chelsea.
Concessions under threat of closing:.
Bentalls shopping centre, Kingston.
Hoopers, Tunbridge Wells.
John Lewis, High Wycombe.
John Lewis, Oxford Street, London.
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