High street retailers such as Poundland, River Island, and M&S are preparing to shut down several stores throughout the UK this month. According to the Centre for Retail Research, a significant number of shops, estimated at 17,349, are projected to close in 2025, leading to around 201,953 job losses in the retail sector. Factors contributing to this trend include escalating energy costs, rising rents, and increased National Insurance contributions, which are creating challenges for many struggling businesses.
The shift towards online shopping is also playing a role in reducing foot traffic in town centers, further impacting brick-and-mortar retailers. Poundland, for instance, has been gradually closing numerous stores nationwide following its acquisition by investment firm Gordon Brothers for a symbolic £1.
Among the upcoming closures, Poundland’s Whitby branch is scheduled to close on September 3, followed by the Wealdstone store on September 6, the Pontypool location on September 7, and the Irvine outlet on September 14. Additionally, The Original Factory Shop is undergoing a significant restructuring, leading to closures such as the Chard store on September 7 and the Market Drayton branch on September 20. Other locations, including Middlewich, Blairgowrie, Heswall, Kinross, Nairn, Mexborough, and Whitchurch, are also expected to close later in the year, with exact dates pending confirmation.
In a strategic move, Marks and Spencer will be closing its flagship city center store in Wolverhampton on Dudley Street on September 27 as part of its 2022 plan to focus more on food-only stores. Similarly, Bonmarché is set to shut down its Scarborough branch on September 14 due to redevelopment activities at the Brunswick Centre, while actively seeking a new local site.
New Look is also part of the wave of closures, with its Scarborough store set to close on September 5. Reports from The Times earlier this year indicated that New Look is planning to expedite future store closures as leases come up for renewal, following tax increases announced in the autumn Budget.
Furthermore, GAME is undergoing a restructuring process that involves the closure of its Gateshead store on September 7, the Bristol branch on September 25, and the Chatham site in Kent before 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 a broader cost-cutting initiative.
River Island has revealed plans to close its Edinburgh store on September 5, with an additional 33 shops set to shut down in January 2026. This decision reflects the fashion retailer’s strategic realignment amidst changing market dynamics and consumer preferences.