Ted Baker closes Exeter store after retailer collapses into administration

A major retailer has closed its Exeter store, leaving a large shop unit in the city centre empty. It's one of a number of branches across the country which fashion brand Ted Baker has closed after bringing in administrators.

On Friday (April 19), Exeter's branch of Ted Baker, located in Princesshay shopping centre, closed for good. A sign in the door tells customers their nearest location is now the concession inside John Lewis on Sidwell Street.

The notes says: "Sadly, it's closing time for this store, but you can still shop our product in John Lewis, Exeter. Head on over to tedbaker.com to find our store locator and also shop the website."

Last month, Ted Baker confirmed that it was on the brink of administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. After administrators were appointed, the retailer announced that it would be permanently closing 15 stores, resulting in around 245 job losses.

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The brand said 11 stores would be closed by the end of last week, including the one in Exeter, as a result of the collapse. An additional four had been served notice by their landlord prior to administration and will close "in the coming weeks".

The Mirror reports that Teneo Financial Advisory was appointed as administrator of No Ordinary Designer Label Limited which is owned by Authentic Brands Group and trades under the Ted Baker name. Administrators said they hoped the closures would bring the brand "back to health".

Benji Dymant, joint administrator said: "Ted Baker is an iconic British brand with strong partners around the world. These store closures, whilst with a regrettable impact on valued team members, will improve the performance of the business, as Authentic continues to progress discussions with potential UK and European operating partners for the Ted Baker brand to bring the business back to health. We would like to thank Ted Baker team members and partners for their ongoing efforts and support at this difficult time."

The Exeter store opened in August 2021 and has remained Devon's first and only standalone Ted Baker. Bristol's branch was also among those which closed last week so the nearest standalone store for Exeter shoppers is now in Bath.

Customers needing to return items to store have been advised to seek advice from the 'Help & FAQs' section of the Ted Baker website. Those with gift cards can redeem them in their nearest store.

The notice on the door adds: "If your local Ted Baker store has closed and you are unable to take your item(s) to an alternative full price Ted Baker Standalone store, then please head over to the Help & FAQs section on the website for guidance.

"Please note - the 'Closed Store Return Process' can only be used for purchases made in a Ted Baker Stand Alone store that has now closed down and all returns must be in accordance with the regular Terms & Conditions.

"Gift cards will continue to be accepted in your nearest store".

The full list of Ted Baker stores which closed last week:

• Birmingham Bullring

• Bristol

• Bromley

• Cambridge

• Exeter

• Leeds

• Liverpool One

• London Bridge

• Milton Keynes

• Nottingham

• Oxford

The four Ted Baker sites closing in the coming weeks:

• Bicester (notice served before administration)

• Brompton Road, London (notice served before administration)

• Floral Street, London (notice served before administration)

• Manchester Trafford (notice served before administration)