Several well-known high street brands, including Poundland, River Island, and M&S, are preparing to shutter stores across the UK this month. The Centre for Retail Research has forecasted that a significant number of shops, around 17,349, may close in 2025, resulting in approximately 201,953 retail job losses. The closures are primarily attributed to rising energy bills, increased rents, and higher National Insurance contributions, which are exerting pressure on struggling retailers.
In addition to economic challenges, the shift towards online shopping is also contributing to decreased foot traffic in town centers, further impacting brick-and-mortar stores. Poundland, acquired for £1 by investment firm Gordon Brothers, has been closing numerous stores nationwide. Upcoming closures include its Whitby branch on September 3, Wealdstone on September 6, Pontypool on September 7, and Irvine on September 14.
The Original Factory Shop is also undergoing a significant restructure involving store closures. The discount chain will close its Chard store on September 7 and Market Drayton on September 20. Other locations slated for closure later this year include Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch, although specific dates have not been confirmed.
Marks and Spencer is set to close its flagship Wolverhampton city center store on Dudley Street on September 27, aligning with the company’s strategy to focus more on its food-only stores. Bonmarché will close its Scarborough branch on September 14 due to the redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre, while actively seeking a new local site. New Look is planning to close its Scarborough store on September 5 following a decision to expedite future closures as leases expire, prompted by tax increases announced in the autumn Budget.
GAME is embarking on a store closure spree, with its Gateshead store shutting on September 7, Bristol branch on September 25, and Chatham site in Kent before the end of the month as part of a major restructuring effort. Hobbycraft has announced the closure of six stores in September, including locations in Stafford, Wigan, Maidenhead, King’s Lynn, Chichester, and Crayford, as part of a broader cost-cutting plan.
River Island has announced the closure of its Edinburgh store on September 5 and plans to shut an additional 33 shops in January 2026. These closures reflect the evolving retail landscape and the challenges faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers amidst changing consumer habits and economic pressures.
