Lifestyle brand Laura Ashley says it is entering its next phase of growth following a "landmark year" under the ownership of Marquee Brands: "2025 marked a decisive turning point, with strong commercial performance, expanded retail presence and a clear roadmap for future growth across categories and territories.
"As the first quarter of 2026 draws to a close, UK sales growth continues with an impressive set of figures across home and womenswear."
Laura Ashley’s UK revival, rooted in its British heritage and modernised for today’s consumer, is fuelled by an enhanced partnership with Next which expands the brand’s retail footprint, increases awareness and accelerates distribution across an expanding range of product categories and wholesale channels.
Laura Ashley says its Thurrock store, which opened last September, has demonstrated strong customer engagement, validating the brand's return to the high street as a destination for accessible lifestyle living: "This momentum has paved the way for further store presence over the coming year, supporting a seamless omnichannel experience that connects in-store discovery with online convenience."
Laura Ashley describes performance across all of its sales channels as "robust": "Sales rose 15% YoY, with Q4 delivering a particularly strong trading period across both bricks-and-mortar and online, reflecting the success of a joined-up retail strategy.
"Q1 of 2026 at Next has seen a strong start to the year across both Laura Ashley fashion and home. As fashion sales continue to grow across the girlswear and womenswear categories, the period saw a combined increase of 81% YoY.
"Big-ticket home sales remained buoyant, with strong momentum in key areas such as upholstery and lighting. Newness across furniture and bedlinen were also well received, contributing meaningfully to overall performance.
"With the Laura Ashley lifestyle being unlocked through category expansion, engaging collaborations and innovative thinking, while remaining true to its design DNA, consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive."
The business says category growth remains a core strategic priority for 2026 with new brand collaborations, expansion of current key categories for the home and new product ranges in the pipeline.
Global growth has also further strengthened Laura Ashley’s revival, with "significant progress" across Asia and North America. Key markets include South Korea with further store openings and continued expansion planned, Japan and an expansion of the fashion offering with a womenswear collaboration in the pipeline, as well as growing the brand’s offering across the US.
"With a strong year of growth behind it and a clear strategy for the years ahead, Laura Ashley’s transformation under Marquee Brands is well under way," the brand concludes. "By re-establishing its presence on the UK high street and expanding into new lifestyle categories, the brand has reclaimed its place as a British modern heritage brand designed for today’s consumer."
