Britain’s high streets are facing another challenging year, with 154 store closures already confirmed across the UK. Well-known names, including River Island and Poundland, are among the retailers shutting branches “for good” as they respond to rising costs and changing shopping habits.
For some, major restructures or administrations have made closures unavoidable. We have detailed the full list of high street stores set to close across the UK. Is your favourite high-street store on the list, and is your area affected? Find out below.
River Island
River Island will close 27 stores in January as part of a major restructuring aimed at cutting costs. The move follows a £32.3 million pre-tax loss last year after sales fell 19%.
Closures start on January 18, with additional branches in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria, also set to close, though dates are unconfirmed. River Island’s CEO, Ben Lewis, said: “We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this.
“Recent improvements in our fashion offer and shopping experience are starting to show results, and the restructuring plan will enable us to align our store estate to our customers’ needs. We are grateful to our suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders for their constructive engagement and shared confidence in River Island’s future.”
Poundland
Poundland is set to close 23 locations across the UK. Poundland’s UK country manager, Darren MacDonald, said: “We know how disappointing it is when we leave a store, but before we close our doors for a final time, we’re determined to say goodbye by offering even more amazing value to customers.
“The special reductions, on top of the value we provide in every store, will help us leave locations we’re leaving with pride. And when we close our doors, we look forward to welcoming customers to one of the hundreds of Poundland stores we’ll continue to operate right across the UK.”
Ponders End, Greater London
Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Christchurch (47 High Street), Dorset
Bearwood, Smethwick, West Midlands
TGI Fridays
Popular family restaurant TGI Fridays has closed 16 locations across the UK after the chain fell into administration. While a last-minute rescue deal has kept 33 restaurants open, the closures have sadly led to the loss of more than 450 jobs.
Phil Broad, Global President of TGI Fridays, shared a statement and said: “We have been working closely to explore all available options for securing the long-term future of TGI Fridays in the UK, and believe that this is the best outcome for the business, preserves jobs, and offers a strong platform for success and growth.
“TGI Fridays has a long history in the UK, and I believe that the future of the brand is in strong hands – focused on reinvigorating the brand while continuing to deliver the bold flavours, welcoming atmosphere, and high-energy dining experience that define TGI Fridays.”
Cancer Research
Cancer Research UK said 88 stores will close as part of a major reorganisation aimed at making its shops more efficient and protecting funding for life-saving cancer research. The charity explained it was left with little choice due to ongoing financial pressures, including rising costs such as higher National Insurance contributions, increased energy and stock prices, and changing shopping habits.
