Ted Baker
Authentic Brands Group · United Kingdom
Ted Baker is a British fashion brand founded in Glasgow in 1988 by Ray Kelvin and owned since 2022 by Authentic Brands Group. After its UK and European operator collapsed in 2024 and its stores closed, the brand continued through licensing partners and returned to UK standalone retail in October 2026.
| Founded | 1988, Glasgow |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ray Kelvin |
| Owner | Authentic Brands Group (since 2022) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Premium lifestyle |
| UK return | Ted Baker Tailored, London, October 2026 |
| Website | tedbaker.com |
What is Ted Baker?
Ted Baker is a British lifestyle brand known for menswear tailoring and shirts with distinctive details, womenswear, footwear and accessories. Since 2022 the brand has been owned by Authentic Brands Group, which manages it through licensing and operating partners rather than running stores itself.
History
Ray Kelvin opened the first Ted Baker shop in Glasgow in 1988, initially focused on men's shirts. The company grew into a listed retailer with, at its peak, more than 500 shops and concessions worldwide. Kelvin resigned in March 2019 following allegations against him.
In October 2022 Authentic Brands Group acquired Ted Baker for 211 million pounds and took it off the London Stock Exchange. In 2024 Authentic ended its relationship with AARC, which had run European stores and e-commerce, and No Ordinary Designer Label, the UK and European operating company, went into administration. All North American stores closed and the remaining UK and Irish stores were wound down by August 2024.
Products and positioning
Ted Baker sits in the premium segment with a British, detail-led aesthetic. Product areas include:
- Men's suiting, shirts and smart casual wear
- Womenswear and occasion wear
- Footwear and accessories
- Licensed categories such as fragrance and luggage
Business model and distribution
Under Authentic, Ted Baker works as a licensed brand. In late 2024 United Legwear & Apparel Co. took over e-commerce and relaunched the website with Authentic, while branded products continued to be sold in other retailers' stores. On 2 October 2026 the brand opened Ted Baker Tailored, a standalone menswear store at 155 Fenchurch Street in the City of London, supported by UK retailer Suit Direct, which has designed and made Ted Baker suiting for several years.
Why it matters
Ted Baker is one of the clearest examples of the brand management model in fashion: a former listed retailer whose name now lives on through licences and partners after its store business failed. Its 2026 return to the high street will indicate whether a licensing-led brand can rebuild a physical retail presence in its home market.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Ted Baker?
Ted Baker has been owned by Authentic Brands Group since October 2022, when Authentic bought the company for 211 million pounds and delisted it. Authentic runs the brand through licensing and operating partners.
Is Ted Baker still in business?
Yes. Although its UK and European operator went into administration in 2024 and the stores closed, the brand continued online and through other retailers. In October 2026 it reopened a standalone menswear store in London with partner Suit Direct.