All Ted Baker stores in the UK are closing this week

A few weeks ago it was said that it “could happen”, but now it looks certain following a report that all Ted Baker stores in the UK will close permanently in the middle of the week.

In addition, Sky News suggested that the expected retail licensing deal with Frasers Group is unlikely to go ahead, although this was considered a sure thing just a few months ago.

Teneo’s liquidators, who managed the former business of Ted Baker’s partner No Ordinary Designer Label (which went bust earlier this year), will be responsible for closing the remaining 31 stores.

According to the report, Tuesday will be the last trading day.

So what went wrong with the Frasers deal? That’s unclear. Ted Baker brand owner Authentic Brands Group said there were no ongoing discussions with the company, but gave no further details on why the talks fell through, and Frasers also declined to comment.

It is also unclear what will happen next and whether Ted Baker will make a comeback on the high street under a new licensing partner. Next had expressed interest early on and there was also interest from the USA.

But currently around 500 jobs are at risk, in addition to the 245 jobs already lost with the closure of 15 stores in the spring.