River Island has confirmed plans to close at least 27 stores across the UK this month as part of a significant restructuring effort. Among the locations affected is the Sutton Coldfield branch, which will be among the first to shut its doors permanently. This decision comes as the high street fashion brand adapts to changing consumer habits and a challenging retail environment.
The company previously operated a total of 250 stores but will reduce this number to 122 as part of its strategy to streamline operations. River Island has faced increased competition from online retailers and a notable decline in foot traffic to physical stores.
As part of the restructuring plan, River Island has already closed several stores, including locations in Brighton, Edinburgh’s Princes Street, Stockton-on-Tees, and Great Yarmouth by the end of 2025. The Sutton Coldfield location is set to close on January 18, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the brand’s presence in the area.
River Island is currently engaged in discussions with landlords to negotiate rent reductions, aiming to prevent further closures and secure the future of more than 140 branches and thousands of jobs on the British high street. The company hopes these efforts will bolster its financial position and align its store portfolio with current consumer needs.
In a statement, Ben Lewis, Chief Executive of River Island, expressed the company’s commitment to adapting within a rapidly changing market. He noted, “River Island is a much-loved retailer, with a decades-long history on the British high street. However, the well-documented migration of shoppers from the high street to online has left the business with a large portfolio of stores that is no longer aligned to our customers’ needs.”
The sharp rise in operational costs has further complicated River Island’s situation. Lewis emphasized the importance of a clear strategy to transform the business for long-term sustainability. “Recent improvements in our fashion offer and in-store shopping experience are already showing very positive results, but it is only with a restructuring plan that we will be able to see this strategy through and secure River Island’s future as a profitable retail business,” he added.
The full list of stores set to close includes locations across the UK, from Altrincham in Manchester to Taunton in Somerset. The closures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by brick-and-mortar retailers as they navigate a post-pandemic landscape, where online shopping continues to gain traction.
As River Island moves forward with its restructuring, the company remains committed to minimizing job losses as much as possible, acknowledging the impact of these closures on employees and local communities. The situation underscores the broader struggles of the retail sector as it grapples with evolving consumer behaviors and economic pressures.
