TM Lewin tumbles into administration as homeworking takes toll

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Menswear retailer TM Lewin has tumbled into administration for a second time since the pandemic began, blaming working from home for lack of demand.

Models wearing TM Lewin coats and suits

Working from home and restrictions on gatherings dampened demand for suits

The retailer has appointed Will Wright and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators.

At the start of the pandemic, TM Lewin operated more than 150 shops worldwide. However, Covid-19 lockdowns and the beginning of office staff working from home forced the retailer into administration in June 2020. The brand subsequently moved to a digital-only model in the UK.

Despite this move, TM Lewin said pandemic restrictions and hybrid working had continued to have negative impacts on its finances. While social distancing measures were lifted in February, “the cumulative impact on the company’s cash flow was such that, after exploring options for the business, the decision was taken to place the company into administration”.

Joint administrator Will Wright said: “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.

“Unfortunately, and despite the company undergoing a significant restructuring at the start of the pandemic that 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.”