10 High Street Brands Closing UK Stores in 2026
Britain's high streets face over 150 shop closures in 2026. See the full list of 10 iconic retailers shutting branches, from fashion chains to charity shops.
Britain's high streets face over 150 shop closures in 2026. See the full list of 10 iconic retailers shutting branches, from fashion chains to charity shops.
New research finds English toddlers average 2 hours of daily screen time, exceeding WHO guidelines. High use is linked to lower vocabulary scores and behavioural issues. Read the full report.
New research shows English toddlers born in the 2020s average 2 hours of daily screen time, double the WHO guideline. Find out the impacts on development.
Iconic beauty brand Sephora announces its first store in Belfast, marking its 13th UK location and expansion into Ireland. Grand opening events and prizes planned.
The UK's visa system goes digital from 12 January 2026. Learn how the new eVisa works, who it affects, and how to access your digital immigration status.
River Island is closing 27 stores this month, starting with 9 this weekend, after posting a £32.3m loss. The high street staple blames online shopping and rising costs.
UK retail sales grew a meagre 1.2% in December, with non-food sales declining. Discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl thrived, while high street fashion and general merchandise struggled. Read the full analysis.
UK retail sales saw a meagre 1.2% annual growth in December, with non-food sales falling flat. Discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl bucked the trend with record Christmas trading. Read the full analysis.
New figures reveal a shoplifting epidemic costing £4.2bn, with crime up 55% in three years. Discover the worst-affected areas and new laws to tackle retail theft.
New Home Office figures expose the UK's shoplifting epidemic, with crime up 55% in three years and costing retailers £4.2bn. See the worst-affected areas.
New government research shows toddlers with high screen time have poorer vocabulary. Experts reveal five key impacts on child brain development. Discover the risks and new official guidance.
Craft retailer Hobbycraft saw a 6.3% sales surge over Christmas, driven by a knitting and crochet revival and strong online growth. Discover the key trends shaping the UK hobby market.
The government will publish its first-ever official guidance on screen time for children under five in April 2026, amid concerns over language development and concentration.
Official guidance on screen time for under-fives will be published in April 2026, after research linked high use to poorer language development. Find out what it means for parents.
UK government research reveals toddlers with high screen use have poorer vocabulary. New guidance for parents of under-fives is due in April. Read the full findings.
New UK government research reveals toddlers with high screen use say fewer words. First-ever guidance for under-fives is due in April. Learn the facts and expert advice.
River Island confirms 32 store closures this January as shoppers pinpoint 'key reason' for High Street decline: operating hours that clash with the modern 9-5 workday.
New government guidance for under-fives' screen use is coming after research links over 5 hours daily to fewer words spoken. Education Secretary urges a balanced approach.
High street giant Next is reportedly pursuing a takeover of the 145-year-old family-owned shoe retailer Russell & Bromley. Read the latest on this potential retail acquisition.
Fashion retailer River Island is shutting 32 stores across the UK, citing online shopping and high costs. The move follows a £32.3m loss. See the full list of closures.
Fashion retailer River Island announces closure of 32 UK shops, citing online shopping surge and high costs. See the full list of affected locations and why shoppers saw it coming.
UK retail footfall surged 1.3% in December, the strongest annual uplift for the month since 2011, driven by evening socialising. Discover the festive trends reshaping shopping.
Beat the January blues with our pick of six charming UK country house hotels, each featuring a spa and rooms for under £160 per night. Perfect for a post-festive reset.
The iconic teen retailer Claire's has been placed into administration, marking a sad end for the high street's 'temple of girlhood'. Discover the story behind its rise and fall.
Next has upgraded its full-year profit forecast following better-than-expected Christmas trading. However, the retailer warns of a significant slowdown ahead due to UK employment pressures. Read the full analysis.
Shop price inflation edged up in December as food costs rose to 3.3%, pressuring household budgets. Experts warn of 'sticky' inflation in 2026. Read the full analysis.
New data reveals UK shop price inflation edged up in December, driven by a sharp rise in food costs to 3.3%. Discover the pressures on household budgets and the outlook for 2026.
A child development expert warns parents that overstimulation with flashy toys hinders learning. Discover why simplicity and repetition are key for infant brainpower.
Discover the simple weekly New Year's resolution that adds joy and creativity to life without sacrifice. Try cooking, reading, watching, and listening to something new each week.
Senior planners warn the government's new towns drive risks failing those most in need. Experts argue for focusing on existing communities and brownfield sites instead. Read the full analysis.