Every LK Bennett outlet across Oxfordshire has closed its doors after the British fashion house’s UK retail operations were wound down entirely following the appointment of administrators.
The clothing label, which rose to prominence during the 1990s, went into administration in January, with insolvency experts assuming control of the process.
Shortly afterward, the US-based restructuring firm Gordon Brothers purchased the company’s name and intellectual property rights. Gordon Brothers has previously overseen successful turnarounds for Laura Ashley and Poundland.
Yet this purchase excluded the chain’s physical shop locations, meaning all nine of its standalone stores and 13 concession units will close within days, according to an announcement issued by the brand this week.
The fashion chain maintained a concession space within the John Lewis store at Oxford Westgate shopping centre alongside other apparel retailers. By February, the brand’s stock at this location had already been exhausted, with only a small selection of women’s shoes remaining on display. John Lewis had already slashed prices for LK Bennett products on its website as the company moved toward administration.
This week, all LK Bennett merchandise has been completely removed from John Lewis shelves.
On Tuesday, the company posted on social media that its physical locations would shut permanently within six days, encouraging customers to take advantage of discounts reaching 80 percent across all merchandise. A countdown on the brand’s website tracks how much time remains before each store’s final closure.
The website now displays a closure notice while promoting liquidation deals with reductions starting at 90 percent as of Friday.