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Topshop has finally made its long-awaited return to brick-and-mortar stores with the label now stocked at John Lewis.

In its glory days, the high street giant was the place to go for bang on trend designs at reasonable prices, so perhaps it's no wonder its new range seems to have drawn heavy inspiration from M&S, which stepped in to fill the void left by Topshop when it closed in 2021.

Indeed, Topshop's former fashion boss, Maddy Evans, is now Womenswear Director at M&S and it appears her former employer has not quite let go of her influence on their styles.

Take, for instance, Topshop's £38 Check Side Tie Long Sleeve Top, which looks a lot like a dupe of M&S's Mesh Jersey Checked V-Neck Wrap Top.

What's more it comes at a much more attractive price, retailing for £10 less at £28.

The same could be said for Topshop's £75 Double Breasted Trench Jacket, which is heavily comparable to M&S's Cotton Rich Asymmetric Short Trench Coat, which, again, retails for £10 less at £65.

It doesn't stop there; there's also a very similar-looking pleated yellow shirt (£42 at Topshop, £36 at M&S), and a faux suede bomber jacket, which retails for £20 less at M&S.

Shoppers can take a look for themselves in the flesh as Topshop's designs are now available to shop at 32 John Lewis stores across the UK, with the department store now acting as Topshop's exclusive stockist for spring/summer 2026.

Ms Evans, the former fashion director of Topshop, who was hired in 2019 as head of buying and promoted to director of womenswear in 2022, has transformed M&S's offerings in recent times.

Her presence has helped M&S fill the crucial gap left by what was one of the high street's most popular brands by offering must-have pieces, such as a faux croc leather trench coat that is rapidly selling out and being re-stocked.

It's also adopted a faster fashion approach, meaning new items can move from the drawing board to the shelf in as little as a month, enabling the retailer to react to demand and the latest trends.

Speaking to the Daily Mail last year, Ms Evans said: 'We're pleased to see womenswear achieve its highest ever style rankings, particularly with the 35-54 customer - a clear sign our focus is landing, and our ranges are resonating with more people more often.

'It's important that we keep up momentum so this season we're supercharging newness across the board: from dresses and partywear through to denim, knitwear and outerwear. We're investing in fabrics, silhouettes and trend-led pieces our customers want; while still delivering the value they trust us for.'

Now, Topshop's biggest job appears to be winning back its once-loyal customer base, and launching at brick-and-mortar stores is, according to its bosses, on the right path.

Topshop managing director Michelle Wilson said, according to Drapers: 'Today is about making it easier for customers to access the Topshop and Topman pieces they love. 

'From our cult denim to new‑season footwear, you can see it, feel it and take it home the same day.

'Partnering with John Lewis brings Topshop back to high streets across the UK with the level of service our customers expect.'

There was a hole in London's Oxford Street when Topshop closed all its physical stores in 2021.

With its trendy clothes, sell-out designer collaborations, and 100,000 sq ft flagship store, the brand attracted everyone from tourists and teenagers to It Girls and fashion editors.

But things took a turn for the worse in 2020 when Phillip Green's Arcadia Group collapsed into administration.

The demise was rooted in a combination of cumbersome brick-and-mortar stores, a slow digital strategy, and aggressive competition from the likes of PrettyLittleThing, Boohoo and Missguided, which lured Gen Z shoppers with their fast delivery times.

Then there was the issue of Sir Philip himself, with retail experts, including Topshop's former brand director, pointing to how the BHS pension scandal and accusations of sexual harassment (which he denies) put off the brand's customer base, which was largely made up of women.