Frasers plans members-only relaunch for Matches

Frasers Group is looking to relaunch Matches as a members-only club after putting the business into administration last year.

The Times reported that Frasers has drawn up proposals to make Matches the “Soho House of retail”.

Frasers bought the Matches brand and intellectual property in a pre-pack deal for £19m in April.

The deal did not include £80m of stock or 250 employees.

Frasers had put Matches into administration weeks earlier, saying it would be “too much” to rescue the business as it was.

Frasers is now presenting its plans to luxury brands, aiming to relaunch the site as a members-only fashion and lifestyle concept by the end of the year.

The proposals show members could be invited by a committee of founder members and “global tastemakers”, with perks like early access to exclusive products, personalised shopping and events in London stores.

It is understood the relaunch will start with womenswear in spring/summer 2026, then expand into menswear and international markets.

Frasers is also considering reopening former stores in Welbeck Street and Carlos Place, London.

Several brands have shown interest in the plans, but some that lost money when Matches collapsed are frustrated by the timing.

Frasers is expected to recover the £94.4m it is owed as a secured creditor.