Britain’s high street faces a severe downturn as several prominent retailers have entered administration, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by rising costs and a significant shift towards online shopping. This trend has resulted in numerous store closures, impacting thousands of jobs across the country.
Claire’s Accessories was one of the first major brands to announce its administration on January 26, 2026. The move places over 1,000 jobs at risk, as the company grapples with an unfavourable retail environment. Owners Modella Capital appointed Kroll Advisory Ltd as administrators, with representatives Philip Dakin, Benjamin Wiles, and Janet Burt overseeing the process. They confirmed that the business would continue trading during the administration period.
The crisis has not been limited to Claire’s. Modella Capital also took the decision to appoint administrators for The Original Factory Shop, citing a disappointing Christmas trading period. “A combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies, and continued cost inflation is causing many established and much-loved businesses to suffer badly,” a spokesperson stated.
In a significant development, the fashion retailer Quiz entered administration just recently, resulting in the loss of 109 jobs. The company operates 40 stores and seven concessions, all of which remain open for the time being. Joint administrator and head of Interpath in Scotland, Alistair McAlinden, acknowledged the tough landscape for the UK high street, saying, “With Quiz, the latest retailer to fall into administration, there’s no doubt it’s been a tough start to 2026.” Plans for clearance sales are underway as the company assesses its future options.
The video game retailer GAME has announced plans to close all standalone stores, following the departure of its director. Locations in Dudley, Lancaster, and Sutton are among those set for closure, although concession stores will remain operational as the company seeks to reduce its high street footprint.
In addition, a skincare and beauty brand that entered administration last month has announced plans to close all its UK stores and offices. The brand is pivoting toward securing wholesale partnerships instead. All seven of its branches in locations such as Islington, Canary Wharf, and Soho are expected to shut down, and the company has ceased taking online orders.
As the high street crisis continues, the impacts on employment and retail diversity remain significant, prompting discussions about the future of physical retail in the UK. With the landscape changing rapidly, it remains to be seen how remaining retailers will navigate these challenging conditions.
