Topshop’s Digital Comeback: 8 Brilliant Ideas for Home & Gift Retailers to Stand Out in 2025

When Topshop announced its return with a brand-new website—taking back control after years of being housed on ASOS—it wasn’t just a fashion headline. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when a brand decides to own its customer experience. For home & gift retailers, the lesson is clear: whether you’re running a bustling high street shop or curating an online destination, now is the moment to shape your story, engage your community, and make your mark.

Here are eight ideas, inspired by Topshop’s relaunch, designed to help you stand out and win in 2025:

1. Spark ‘See Now, Buy Now’ Excitement

Think beyond the standard product drop. Launch limited-edition collections, whether it’s seasonal scents, playful kitchenware, or statement décor pieces, and create an event around them. For example, a local gift shop might stream a live preview of new candle scents on Instagram, letting viewers purchase immediately. Host an after-hours in-store reveal to build energy and exclusivity. The key is immediacy: let customers purchase the moment they’re intrigued.

2. Collaborations with Character

Just as Topshop spotlighted stars like Cara Delevingne, invite local designers, illustrators, or even chefs to curate edits of your products. A home store could team up with a local artist to design a summer glassware collection or a culinary influencer to select their favorite kitchen gifts. This brings fresh perspectives, draws in new audiences, and infuses your range with personality.

3. Add a Personal Touch

Personalisation is no longer a luxury, it’s expected. Offer engraved glassware, hand-written gift notes, or build-your-own bundles. For instance, a boutique could let customers select items for a custom gift hamper and add a message that’s written by a staff member. Customers treasure products that feel like they’ve been created with them in mind.

4. Storytelling in Every Corner

Go beyond static displays. Stage styled home vignettes, run candle-pouring workshops, or tell the story of the maker behind the ceramics. A retailer might transform part of the shop into a monthly “Meet the Maker” space, with live demonstrations and stories. Shoppers aren’t just buying items—they’re buying into meaning and memory.

5. Loyalty with a Twist

Why not launch a “Home & Gift Insider” club? Think birthday surprises, first-look previews, or extended return windows. For example, a store might offer members free gift-wrapping or exclusive invitations to product launches. Loyalty is no longer just about points, it’s about perks that feel human and thoughtful.

6. Visual Merchandising that Travels Online

Flat-lays aren’t just for fashion. Capture striking overhead shots of gift bundles, or refresh your windows with themes that can be shared in timelapse reels. A florist’s shop could post timelapse videos of seasonal window designs on TikTok, drawing both passing foot traffic and online buzz. These visuals work twice: attracting attention in-store and sparking online discovery.

7. Balance Tech and the Human Touch

Smart tools—like digital price tags or app-based flash sales, can streamline the experience, but it’s the human element that makes it memorable. Train your team to share stories, ask the right questions, and make thoughtful recommendations. For instance, a staff member could guide a customer through selecting a gift that perfectly matches the recipient’s interests, turning browsing into bonding.

8. Connect Online and Offline Together

Host shoppable Q&A sessions, write blog posts with product links, or celebrate customer reviews and unboxing videos. A homeware shop might invite loyal customers to share their product stories in a monthly newsletter and showcase user-generated content on their website. Today’s shopper doesn’t just want a purchase, they want participation.

Final Thought

Topshop’s digital comeback is a statement of intent: independence brings freedom, and freedom fuels creativity. For home & gift retailers, the opportunity is to take these lessons from fashion, add your own flair, and deliver something no algorithm can replicate, connection, warmth, and unforgettable experiences. That’s the winning formula for 2025.

How will you reinvent your customer experience this year?