River Island and Primark are among the major retailers that have revealed plans to close stores in January 2026.
According to the Centre for Retail Research, last year witnessed 54 retailers collapsing, resulting in the closure of 3,080 stores and the loss of 30,153 jobs.
The Office for National Statistics reported a slight decline of 0.1% in retail sales volumes for November.
River Island is set to shut down at least 27 stores this month as part of a significant restructuring effort. Several locations, including branches in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, have already closed in late 2025. Additionally, stores in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria are on the closure list, with dates pending confirmation.
Poundland is also undergoing a restructuring, with plans to close 12 shops in January following a High Court approval. The discount retailer had already closed 57 stores by the end of September after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1.
Primark recently closed its Dartford store on January 3 due to the urgent need for building repairs, marking its first closure in over a decade. Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, explained that the decision was influenced by the extensive repair work required and the proximity to other Primark stores. Efforts are being made to transfer over half of affected staff to nearby locations.
Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, is closing a total of 34 branches this month, citing the increasing trend of online banking as the reason for the closures.
The closures by River Island, Primark, Poundland, and the banking branches reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the retail sector and the shifting consumer preferences towards digital platforms.