UK high street fashion giant removes website after crashing into administration

LK Bennett was a high street giant, and a favourite of lots of customers – even Princess Kate. However, the company collapsed into administration earlier this year, and has now shut down its website in another blow to the brand. Back in January, the company appointed John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as joint administrators.

Shortly after this, LK Bennett was sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland. The brand had nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores at the time of the deal, but they were not included in it. As the LK Bennett website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”

Now, the website itself has shut down, despite continuing online sales since the time of the deal. The website adds: “Website and phone order now closed- Shop in store for a limited time.”

If people have already made online orders, they will still go ahead as usual, the website explains. Meanwhile, the brand has launched a closing-down sale in all stores across the UK with up to 75% off.

The sales continue as all “remaining warehouse stock just arrived in stores”. LK Bennett confirmed “everything [is] reduced” with up to 80% off stock.

LK Bennett was established in the 1990s, initially selling shoes before expanding its offering to include clothing and accessories such as handbags.

The brand described itself as “the British affordable luxury brand” and was founded by Linda Bennett in London “with the vision of bringing a bit of Bond Street luxury to the High Street”.

A LK Bennett spokesperson said: “There are some truly exceptional offers available across all categories. Everything has been reduced, including new season pieces.

“We anticipate strong demand and expect key styles to sell through quickly; we would like to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years and invite them to shop early to avoid disappointment.”