Topman
Heartland A/S (75%) and ASOS (25%) · United Kingdom
Topman is a British menswear brand launched in 1978 by the Burton Group, later Arcadia Group, as the men's counterpart to Topshop. It is owned 75% by Heartland A/S and 25% by ASOS after a 2024 sale, and operates as an online-led brand.
| Founded | 1978 |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Burton Group (later Arcadia Group) |
| Owner | Heartland A/S (75%), ASOS (25%) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Main channels | Online and wholesale |
| Website | topman.com |
What is Topman?
Topman is a men's fashion brand from the United Kingdom. It was created as the menswear sibling of Topshop and for many years was sold in the same high street stores and online.
History
Topman was launched in 1978 by the Burton Group, which was later renamed Arcadia Group. In May 2019, after Arcadia's financial difficulties, Topshop closed all 11 of its US stores, including Topman, and US apparel was then distributed digitally and through wholesale partners such as Nordstrom. Arcadia Group entered administration on 30 November 2020 and all of its high street stores subsequently closed.
ASOS acquired Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT out of administration on 1 February 2021 for £265 million, plus £65 million for current and pre-ordered stock. The brands were relaunched online. Nordstrom later took an unspecified minority stake in Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT.
Ownership since 2024
In September 2024 ASOS agreed to sell 75% of Topshop and Topman to Heartland A/S, the holding company for the Holch Povlsen family, which also holds Bestseller. ASOS retained 25% in a joint venture and kept certain design and distribution rights in return for a royalty. The new owners planned to relaunch the brand websites within six months and to expand through selected wholesale partners.
Business model and distribution
Topman is today an online-led brand. Reports indicate that from February 2026 it would be sold in a small number of John Lewis stores, around six, alongside johnlewis.com, which would give it a limited physical presence through a retail partner.
Why it matters
Topman is a clear case of a high street menswear label surviving the failure of its parent group. Its path from owned stores to online sales and wholesale partners mirrors the wider shift in UK fashion retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Topman?
Topman is owned 75% by Heartland A/S, the Holch Povlsen family holding company, and 25% by ASOS. ASOS had acquired it from Arcadia Group's administration in February 2021 and announced the 75% sale in 2024.
Is Topman a British brand?
Yes. Topman was launched in 1978 by the Burton Group, later renamed Arcadia Group, and is based in the United Kingdom.