A significant wave of high street store closures swept through the UK in 2025, with a staggering total of 3,080 stores shutting their doors permanently. This upheaval resulted in the loss of 30,153 jobs across the country, according to the Centre for Retail Research. The challenging retail environment has forced well-known brands to reassess their strategies, as sluggish sales growth remains 3.3% below pre-pandemic levels, per data from the House of Commons.
Several iconic retailers were among those affected. The jewellery and piercing retailer Claire’s, a high street staple since its entry into the UK in 1996, filed for bankruptcy in the United States in August. The company cited intensified competition and declining foot traffic as key factors. While Modella Capital acquired 156 of its stores, 145 locations closed, impacting over 1,000 jobs.
Another notable casualty was WH Smith, a newsagent with roots dating back to the Victorian era. In March, the company announced it would sell 500 stores to Modella Capital, resulting in the closure of 20 shops and a rebranding of the remaining 464 high street locations to TG Jones.
The fashion industry also faced significant challenges. Quiz Clothing entered administration early in the year, leading to the immediate closure of 23 stores and the loss of 191 jobs. However, after restructuring efforts, the brand reported a 14% rise in like-for-like revenues between July and August and planned to open five to ten new stores in the upcoming year.
In September, the beauty chain Bodycare shut down 32 stores and laid off 250 employees after falling into administration. The brand, which started as a market stall in Lancashire during the 1970s, struggled with rising costs and low consumer spending. Fortunately, an investment group led by Charles Denton, former CEO of The Body Shop, stepped in to rescue the brand, intending to relaunch between 30 and 50 stores in the first half of next year.
The high street fashion chain Select Fashion declared bankruptcy in April after closing 35 outlets. Employees received notice via email about the company’s collapse, marking the end of Select Fashion Ltd. Meanwhile, New Look initiated a strategic review in August, resulting in 41 planned closures of its 338 stores.
The challenges extended beyond clothing retailers. River Island announced it would close 33 stores by the end of the year as part of a restructuring plan due to rising debt. The company has attributed its struggles to the shift from high street shopping to online purchasing.
Discount retailer Poundland narrowly escaped bankruptcy after agreeing to a turnaround plan shortly before running out of funds. New owners, Gordon Brothers, acquired the chain for £1 and pledged to invest £90 million to revive the business. Despite the rescue plan, 68 stores were closed, resulting in 1,000 job cuts.
Several other businesses also faced closures. Monki, a brand under the H&M umbrella, shut down its seven UK stores, while Hobbycraft confirmed 27 closures as part of its strategic review. The luxury tile retailer Fired Earth entered administration, resulting in the loss of 133 jobs and the closure of all 20 showrooms.
In the food and beverage sector, Starbucks implemented a restructuring plan that included closing 10 coffee shops in October. Similarly, the Scottish brewery Brewdog closed 10 locations, including its first venue in Aberdeen, affecting nearly 100 jobs. The fast-casual chain Leon announced plans to close around 20 restaurants after falling into administration.
Lastly, in October, Pizza Hut confirmed the closure of 68 restaurants after its UK franchise operator entered administration. The restructuring plan has put 1,210 workers at risk of redundancy.
The year 2025 has proven tumultuous for the UK high street, with numerous well-established brands grappling with a rapidly changing retail landscape. As consumer preferences shift towards online shopping, the future of many traditional retailers remains uncertain.
