Iconic Brand Makes a Comeback on UK High Street

  • Laura Ashley returns to UK high street with a partnership with Next
  • Next will sell Laura Ashley homeware products in its stores and on its website from spring 2021
  • A Laura Ashley-branded flagship store planned for Westfield shopping centre in London
  • Laura Ashley became one of the first major brands to go into administration due to Covid-19 pandemic
  • Investment firm Gordon Brothers acquired Laura Ashley out of administration

Laura Ashley, the iconic British brand that went into administration earlier this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is making a comeback with a partnership with Next. The clothing and home furnishing retailer will reintroduce its homeware products through Next’s UK stores and website starting from spring 2021. A Laura Ashley flagship store is planned for Westfield shopping centre in west London, followed by others across the UK. Gordon Brothers, an investment firm that acquired Laura Ashley out of administration, will relaunch the brand with a team of designers to revitalize its design vision and online presence.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Laura Ashley’s partnership with Next for selling homeware products and the planned flagship store in Westfield shopping centre. It also mentions the impact of Covid-19 on the brand and its acquisition by Gordon Brothers. However, it lacks some details about the specific number of stores to be opened or the exact date of the relaunch.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a company’s partnership and its plans for returning to the market after facing challenges due to the pandemic. It includes specific details about the collaboration with Next and future store locations. However, it could benefit from more analysis or context on how this relaunch might impact the industry or consumers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Laura Ashley, Next, Gordon Brothers
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the partnership between Laura Ashley and Next, which will impact these companies’ financial markets and operations.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk