This month, several retailers in the UK have announced they’ll be shutting down branches, with shops expected to exit the high street in certain areas of the UK.
Poundland has announced it will close more stores in the coming weeks (Image: Getty)
It’s an uncertain time for the British high street right now. Over the past few years, many retailers have been forced to close down branches or have gone out of business entirely. While some continue to trade online or undergo big changes, their high street presence has been depleted.
In June, it was announced that Poundland would be closing even more stores over the coming weeks. The business was sold to US investment firm Gordon Brothers for just £1, and the closures are part of a plan to turn the struggling company around. Below is a full list of stores shutting down as well as planned closures in June, from Holland and Barrett, Iceland, River Island and more.
Poundland’s new owners plan to close 100 of its stores (Image: Getty)
Poundland
Poundland has closed more than a dozen stores since last year. The budget retailer was put up for sale earlier this year after a drop in sales.
Revenue fell 6.5 percent to £830 million in the six months to March compared to the previous year, and 18 stores were already shut during that period.
The next five stores set to close are:
- Barrow Dalton Road – closed on June 12
- Union Gate, Bristol – closing on June 20
- Flint – closing on June 21
- Cowes, Isle of Wight – closing in July
- Newquay – closing on August 1
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River Island
River Island is shutting UK sites with more stores at risk. The fashion retailer is shutting its branch in Banbury, Oxfordshire, on June 28.
River Island announced in a post on Facebook: “This store will be closing on Saturday 28th June. Please visit us 24/7 online at RiverIsland.com or at your nearest store: Rugby and Oxford. To all our valued customers we will see you soon!”
Smiggle
This popular stationery shop will unfortunately be closing its York branch for good today, Sunday June 15. Known for its bright and vibrant pencil cases and schoolbags, the store has 106 locations all over the UK.
In May, Smiggle stores in both Inverness and Shrewsbury shut down, following an earlier closure in Dundee back in January. Another location, in Cwmbran Shopping Centre, is also set to close in August.
Hobbycraft
The DIY retailer with more than 100 stores in the UK will be closing one of its branches in two weeks time. The Hobbycraft store in Imperial Park, Bristol, has confirmed that it will pull down its shutters for good on June 21.
Anyone keen to pick up a bargain should head there before it closes, as everything is on offer for 50% off.
Holland and Barrett will also be closing one of its stores soon (Image: Getty)
Holland and Barrett
The health and wellbeing chain will see its Inverness store close down this month. The store features signs in the window that read: “We’re sorry this store is closing soon but you can still shop at hollandandbarret.com.”
However, it’s not known exactly when this will be.
Iceland
The frozen food retailer has already closed two stores this year – its Shenley Road branch in Borehamwood and the Alphington Road Retail Park store in Exeter.
The next branch customers will have to say goodbye to is the Margate, College Square store, with it permanently shutting its doors on June 21.
The Works
Earlier this month, the budget stationery store closed its store on Margate High Street. A spokesperson for The Works said: “As part of ongoing plans to optimise our store portfolio, we will be closing our Margate store.
“We have loved being part of the local community and apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure.”
Booths
Fondly known as the ‘Waitrose of the North’, this upmarket food retailer will shut its branch on Marshall Way, Ripon, afte being open for 16 years.
It’s expected Tesco will take over the lease, according to reports. There are currently 27 Booths stores in the North of England.
Tessuti
This designer clothing store has announced its closure at the Glasgow Fort, where it has been since 2018.
It’s currently hosting a major closing down sale, with items up to 70% off – so make sure you head there in time if you want to grab a bargain. However, the specific date and reason for the closure has not yet been confirmed.
