Several well-known high street brands, including Poundland, River Island, and M&S, are preparing to shut down stores across the UK in the coming weeks. The Centre for Retail Research has forecasted a significant number of store closures in 2025, estimating that around 17,349 shops could cease operations, resulting in approximately 201,953 retail job losses. Factors such as escalating energy bills, rising rents, and increased National Insurance contributions are cited as major contributors to the challenges faced by struggling retailers.
The shift towards online shopping is also playing a role in reducing foot traffic in town centers, further impacting brick-and-mortar stores. Poundland, which was acquired for £1 by investment firm Gordon Brothers, has already closed multiple stores nationwide. The upcoming closures include the Whitby branch on September 3, Wealdstone on September 6, Pontypool on September 7, and Irvine on September 14.
The Original Factory Shop is undergoing a significant restructuring that includes store closures. The discount chain will shut down its Chard store on September 7 and Market Drayton on September 20. Additionally, locations in Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch are slated for closure later in the year, 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 as part of its strategy to focus more on its food-only stores. Bonmarché will close its Scarborough branch on September 14 due to redevelopment at the Brunswick Centre, with plans to secure a new local site. New Look is also closing its Scarborough store on September 5 following reported intentions to accelerate future closures as leases expire.
GAME is undergoing a major restructuring that includes the closure of its Gateshead store on September 7, Bristol branch on September 25, and Chatham site in Kent by the end of the month. 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 cost-cutting measures. River Island will close its Edinburgh store on September 5 and has plans to shut an additional 33 shops in January 2026.