High street retailer Sir Ralph Halpern dies aged 83
Flamboyant 80s businessman and contemporary of Gerald Ronson remembered for building a clothing empire
Jewish high street retailer and multimillionaire boss of the Burton Group in the 1970s and 80s, Sir Ralph Halpern, was remembered this week following news of his death at the age of 83.
The son of Jewish Viennese immigrants who lost their fortune fleeing the Nazis, Halpern founded Topshop in the late 60s before turning a company making annual £100m losses in 1977 into a clothing champion making £180m a year by 1987.
Thrice married, he was the subject of several kiss-and-tell tabloid scandals, notably his affair with a 19-year-old model.
At its height, his empire included Dorothy Perkins, Principles, Racing Green, and Evans, with one pound in every eight spent on clothing in the UK being spent in his stores. Jewish community grandee Gerald Ronson once helped him buy Debenhams.
A fan of Margaret Thatcher and mentor to future retailing figures such as Stuart Rose at Marks and Spencer, Halpern believed that “retail is showbusiness” and became known for his love of gold Rolex watches and fleet of glistening motors.
He was the first businessman to earn a £1 million salary but was asked to resign at the end of the 80s, when the group’s share price tumbled.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
