Radley has named Lloyd Baker Leather Ltd as its new licensing partner, as owner Gordon Brothers seeks to relaunch the business after it entered administration. Under the agreement, Lloyd Baker Leather will develop, source, market and distribute Radley's bags and small leather goods across the Royaume-Uni, Europe, the États-Unis and Australie.
Gordon Brothers had acquired the Radley brand and intellectual property out of administration on 26 May. Founded in 1998 on a market stall at Camden Market, in Londres, Radley had built its reputation on handbags and accessories. The acquisition agreement excluded UK retail operations, which led to the closure of two standalone stores and 19 concessions, as well as 42 job cuts.
The new agreement marks a shift towards a licensing and wholesale-partnership-centred model, allowing Radley to maintain its presence in international markets after the end of its directly operated UK store network. Gordon Brothers, which also owns the LK Bennett brand, presented this agreement as the « prochain chapitre » of its « gérance » of the Radley brand.
Carolyn D’Angelo, senior managing director and head of brand operations at Gordon Brothers, said: « Radley is a beloved British brand, and we are thrilled to work with Lloyd Baker Leather Ltd. This agreement honours Radley’s legacy while supporting its continued evolution and expanding the brand’s reach. » For his part, Bobby Malhotra, owner and managing director of Lloyd Baker Leather, stated: « Radley is an iconic British brand, and we are thrilled to work with Gordon Brothers to support its next chapter. »
Ambitions beyond leather goods
This licensing agreement follows an earlier commitment by Gordon Brothers to explore opportunities to extend Radley into additional product categories, including watches, jewellery, eyewear and beauty gifts. The parent company said it is actively assessing opportunities in other categories for the brand, while also stating it wants to expand its presence in the Royaume-Uni, the États-Unis, Australie and Asie, by investing in product development and marketing.
Radley's latest financial results, covering the financial year to April 2025, showed growth in direct-to-consumer, digital and licensing sales, although wholesale performance was affected by technology issues and changes in how certain partners operate. Reste to be seen whether this new model, now detached from direct operation of UK stores, will manage to deliver the growth the brand is seeking.
