Britain's town centres are bracing for another difficult year as more than 150 shop closures have been confirmed for 2026. This continues a worrying trend from 2025, which saw hundreds of iconic stores disappear, impacting thousands of jobs nationwide. The closures span banks, clothing retailers, and well-known household names, highlighting the intense pressure on the retail sector.
Fashion and Budget Retailers Hit Hard
The list of affected businesses includes prominent fashion chains. New Look closed 41 branches in 2025 following a strategic review. Its store portfolio has dramatically shrunk from around 600 outlets in 2018 to just over 300 by late 2025, with closures continuing into early 2026.
Meanwhile, River Island is preparing to shut 33 branches nationwide before the end of January 2026. This forms part of a court-approved restructuring strategy to avoid administration, triggered by declining footfall.
In the value sector, Poundland is set to have closed approximately 130 stores by February 2026 as part of its own restructuring. The chain, saved by investment specialist Gordon Brothers for just £1 last summer, is also using a £30 million emergency overdraft from its former owner.
Administrations and Rescue Deals
Several brands have entered administration, leading to widespread closures. Claire's UK & Ireland operation went into administration in August 2025. While 156 stores were saved by Modella Capital, 145 were earmarked for closure, affecting over 1,000 employees.
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) filed for administration in January 2026, putting all 160 stores and 1,220 staff at risk. Stores are currently holding massive closing sales.
The restaurant chain TGI Fridays is also bracing for significant closures. Following its administration filing in early January 2026, around 15 to 20 of its 49 UK branches are predicted to shut permanently in a rescue deal, potentially costing hundreds of jobs.
Beloved Names Disappear or Downsize
Other familiar faces are scaling back or transforming. The historic newsagent WHSmith sold its high street division to Modella Capital in March 2025, vanishing from town centres. Around 20 stores shut immediately, with the remaining 464 being rebranded as TG Jones.
The arts and crafts chain Hobbycraft confirmed the closure of 27 branches, leaving under 100 sites trading. This follows a strategic review aimed at stabilising finances.
Even charity shops are not immune. Cancer Research UK has announced it will close 88 of its 600 shops by May 2026, citing rising costs and changing consumer habits. A two-year programme could see up to 100 more close by April 2027.
In a story of collapse and potential rebirth, beauty retailer Bodycare closed all 32 of its stores in September 2025 after falling into administration. However, an investment group plans to relaunch up to 50 stores this year.
These closures represent a profound shift for UK retail, dealing a fresh blow to town centres, shoppers, and employees across the country. The evolving high street must now adapt to survive in an increasingly challenging economic climate.
