Ted Baker to ditch Debenhams for Next on children’s clothing range
Ted Barker is set to end its deal to sell its children’s clothing range at Debenhams’ stores in the latest blow to the department store chain.
Instead, Ted Baker will team up with Next, who are going to “create and sell” Ted Baker-branded clothes, shoes and accessories for babies and children.
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The high-street retailer has signed a five-year deal with Next, but will maintain a relationship with Debenhams to sell Ted Baker lingerie and nightwear.
It comes just months after the Sports Direct-owned Debenhams announced plans to shut 22 stores across the UK.
Ted Baker will stop selling children’s clothes through Debenhams at the end of February 2020, but insisted it still had a profitable relationship with the firm.
The collection with Next will launch in the following months, with no official date beyond spring next year given as of yet.
The range will be created and produced “in collaboration with” the creative at Ted Baker, the retailer said, and available for purchase at Next stores or on Ted Baker’s website.
Next boss Simon Wolfson, said: “We have worked with Ted Baker for a number of years through Label and recognise the power of their brand.”
Meanwhile, Ted Baker thanked Debenhams for their role in “establishing and developing” the childrenswear line.
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“Our childrenswear collections – which are small in size but big in style – have already proven incredibly popular with Ted Baker customers,” said Ted Baker boss, Lindsay Page.
Page replaced Ted Baker’s founder and chief executive, Ray Kelvin, earlier this year, who resigned following allegations of misconduct, including “forced hugging”.