A British specialty store chain that was considered a budget "rip-off merchant" in the 1980s until it was bought, in 2002, by Phillip Green of the Arcadia Group (who also owns Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Miss Selfridge, and British Home Stores). Topshop, under the brand directorship of Jane Sheperdson, has been transformed into a fast-moving fashion powerhouse. Topshop's target market is comprised of young, fashion-conscious females (Topshop) and males (Topman). The company operates 290 Topshop stores and 165 Topman stores throughout Great Britain, Ireland, and Europe, with its flagship store on Oxford Street being the largest clothing shop in the world. A New York City location is planned to open in 2007. The Arcadia Group has underwritten the British Fashion Council's New Generation Award since 2001 and has given many new young designers their start (such as Sophie Kokosalaki). In 2005, Topshop presented its Unique label during London's Fashion Week.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.