Cath Kidston returning to UK high street with new store opening next month

Fans of Cath Kidston will be delighted to know that a new store is due to open on October 18 at Westfield White City, London - here is what you need to know

Cath Kidston is set to make a return to the UK high street with a new store set to open in London next month.

The iconic fashion and homeware chain, which is known for its vintage-inspired designs and floral patterns, closed its final four stores in June 2023. But fans of Cath Kidston will be delighted to know that a new store is due to open on October 18 at Westfield White City, London.

The retailer confirmed the news on its Instagram page, with a post that read: "Why yes. Yes, you guessed right. We do indeed we have a new home opening soon. Can anyone tell where in London we’ll be opening our doors?" Excited fans have been reacting to the news.

One said: "Welcome back!!" Another posted: "YES!! This is SO EXCITING!!!" A third posted: "Super excited about the new store." And a fourth said: "Omg! yay welcome back! A trip to London may be needed." It isn't clear if more stores could open in the future.

Cath Kidston collapsed into administration in 2020 with the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs. It was rescued by private investment firm Baring Private Equity Asia, which then sold the business to restructuring firm Hilco Capital in 2022. Next then bought the Cath Kidston brand name, domain names and intellectual property in a deal worth £8.5million last year - but this did not include its physical stores.

Cath Kidston was set up in 1993 by its eponymous owner, with the first store opening the following year in London's Holland Park. At its peak, the brand had more than 200 outlets across the world, including a flagship store in Piccadilly.

On an episode of Desert Island Discs in 2011, Ms Kidston, who is now aged 65, described the store as like "Marmite". She said at the time: "People either love it and want a little bit of it very much, or want to stab us." But Cath Kidston isn't the only retailer to make a return to the UK high street.

Wilko collapsed into administration in August last year, with more than 400 stores closed as a result. At the time Wilko went into administration PricewaterhouseCoopers were unable to find a buyer which meant its store leases and other assets were sold off in parts.

The Wilko name and intellectual property was later bought by CDS Superstores, which trades as The Range, for a reported £5million. CDS Superstores later confirmed plans in December last year to reopen Wilko stores - so far, six sites have been reopened. CDS Superstores has previously said it hopes to open 300 new Wilko stores, but has not revealed any more locations and opening dates.