// TM Lewin collapses into administration for second time in two years
// The shirtmaker has drafted in Will Wright and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory
TM Lewin has collapsed into administration as it appoints Interpath Advisory to handle the process.
The shirtmaker has drafted in Will Wright and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators.
Prior to the pandemic, the company had grown to operate more than 150 shops worldwide.
However, the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns forced it to enter an insolvency process, which saw it move to an online-only model trading exclusively in the UK in the summer of 2020.
TM Lewin was founded over 120 years ago in London.
READ MORE: TM Lewin: What went wrong?
Since Covid-19 restrictions, trading has continued to be negatively impacted by ongoing work-from-home guidance, as well as restrictions on large events and social gatherings.
While social distancing measures were lifted in early 2022, the cumulative impact on the company’s cashflow was such that, after exploring options for the business, the decision was taken to place it into administration.
“Over the course of the pandemic, men’s apparel – and formalwear in particular – has been one of the hardest hit parts of the retail sector, as work-from-home measures and restrictions on events meant demand for suits and formal tailoring waned,” Wright said.
“Unfortunately, and despite the Company undergoing a significant restructuring at the start of the pandemic which saw it move to an online model, the impact on this famous British brand has been severe.
“Our immediate priority is to explore options for the business, including a sale of the business and its assets.”
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6 Comments. Leave new
I am sick about this. First Thomas Pink and now Lewins, my two favourite shirt brands. If someone had said this would happen to me even 5 years ago, I would have thought they were certified but now this is the reality.
Both companies had a track record for decades. It makes me wonder how much we should value, even cherish, our favourite companies as nothing seems guaranteed.
I really hope this isn’t the final death knell for Lewins, but twice going to administration it’s hard to see a way back. I wonder if Jonny Francombe et al are in tears reading this or if someone will come along to restore it to its former glory. I truly hope so, as the City will be a lot poorer without them.
So only people working in the City wear smart shirts? Sweeping statement.
The City is the roots of the company and thank you for pointing out that other people otside of the City actually do buy Lewin shirts as I never would have thought that without your wise remark
M&S would be a good home for the brand. People are buying less formal wear and that is a permanent change. M&S could use it as a more upscale brand alongside their own.
Good point. M&S will become the knackers yard of once great British brands if Jaeger and others are to go by. Seems almost analgous to Empires dying embers. Makes me wonder if they’re better off letting them go rather than prolonging a lingering death, as M&S seems to have done. Sad day.
This is so sad … even after the closing of the TMLewin shops nothing was made much about it, rather than the collapse of P&O which has made headline news of job losses for 800 staff !
TMLewin closed 160 branches with a loss of 600 jobs .. nothing was said about it.
A great loss to the fashion industry of great quality clothing.