NO TOPSHOP stores in Sussex will reopen after lockdown, it has been confirmed.

The news comes after ASOS sealed the takeover of Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT from the collapse of the Arcadia retail empire for £265 million.

The Argus contacted the Arcadia Group for comment.

Speaking to representatives for the organisation, it is understood that all Sussex sites, which are currently closed due to lockdown laws, will not reopen once these are eased.

This includes a flagship store in Brighton's Churchill Square shopping centre, as well as sites in Worthing, Crawley, Eastbourne, Chichester and Horsham.

The Argus: Topshop &Topman have signed up

ASOS told investors this morning that it will take on around 300 employees as part of the deal, but this does not include any of the brands' stores.

As a result, thousands of jobs have been axed.

Administrators for Sir Philip Green's retail group said Asos has paid an additional £65 million for current and pre-ordered stock.

Arcadia collapsed into insolvency at the start of December after pandemic closures further exacerbated the group's troubles.

Last week, Boohoo said it was in exclusive talks to buy the Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton brands in a move which will also not include any stores.

Asos said its acquisition of the four brands will "resonate" with its core customer base of "20-somethings" in the UK.

It said it expects the deal to complete later this week, adding that it will also see £20 million worth of one-off restructuring and transaction costs.

Asos chief executive Nick Beighton said: "We are extremely proud to be the new owners of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.

A general view of the Topshop store on Oxford Street. Plans for an emergency multimillion-pound loan to Sir Philip Greens struggling Arcadia Group, of which Topshop is a part of, have reportedly fallen through. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday November 30

A general view of the Topshop store on Oxford Street. Plans for an emergency multimillion-pound loan to Sir Philip Green's struggling Arcadia Group, of which Topshop is a part of, have reportedly fallen through. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday November 30

"The acquisition of these iconic British brands is a hugely exciting moment for Asos and our customers and will help accelerate our multi-brand platform strategy.

"We have been central to driving their recent growth online and, under our ownership, we will develop them further, using our design, marketing, technology and logistics expertise, and working closely with key strategic retail partners in the UK and around the world."