More than 20 major UK high street retailers have announced store closures or administrations so far in 2026, driven by rising operational taxes, employment costs, and shifting consumer habits. The list includes well-known names such as River Island, Poundland, Quiz, and the complete removal of the Halifax brand from high streets after 173 years.
Coughlans Bakery Closes All 31 Stores
On July 1, 2026, Coughlans Bakery, an 89-year-old South East England chain co-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, entered voluntary liquidation and shut all 31 stores overnight. Bosses blamed escalating fuel costs, high business rates, and increased employer National Insurance contributions, which added an extra £20,000 a week in overheads.
Claire's Accessories Shuts All 154 Standalone Shops
After entering administration under Modella Capital in late January 2026, the fashion accessories retailer formally closed all 154 standalone UK and Ireland high street shops on April 27, leading to 1,300 job losses. Concessions inside supermarkets like Asda remain unaffected.
WH Smith High Street Rebrands as TG Jones, Closures Planned
Following its separation from WH Smith PLC under Modella Capital, the high street branches removed traditional WH Smith branding to trade as TG Jones. TG Jones secured High Court backing for a restructuring scheme, leading to the anticipated closure of approximately 150 of its 450 outlets.
River Island to Shut 33 Stores
After posting substantial losses, the fashion chain obtained High Court backing for a restructuring scheme, scheduling the shutdown of 33 key physical stores during the first six months of 2026, including locations in Oxford, Aylesbury, and Gloucester.
GAME Transitions to Sports Direct Concessions
After filing for administration, standalone GAME high street premises have ceased trading as the brand entirely transitions into concessions within Sports Direct outlets.
The Original Factory Shop at Risk
The discount chain entered administration under Interpath Advisory in January 2026, putting all 137 high street stores at risk.
Russell and Bromley Acquired by Next, Most Stores Close
Following its collapse into administration, the upmarket footwear retailer was acquired by Next, which retained just three flagship sites (Chelsea, Mayfair, and Bluewater), leading to the closure of the remaining 33 standalone branches.
Poundland, Quiz, and Others
Poundland confirmed a staged programme of closures under a High Court-sanctioned restructuring plan, shutting dozens of struggling stores as leases end. Quiz fell into administration for the third time in six years, sparking clearance sales and shop closures across its 40-strong estate. Magnet Kitchens closed 15 struggling outlets through a CVA. Cancer Research UK is shutting between 88 and 90 high street charity outlets due to soaring costs.
Halifax Brand to Disappear from High Streets
On July 1, 2026, Lloyds Banking Group confirmed that the Halifax brand will vanish entirely from UK high streets after 173 years. All 190 standalone Halifax branches will be rebranded under the Lloyds name or absorbed into neighbouring Lloyds branches throughout 2027. Prior to this, the group closed 95 branches in January 2026, including 53 Lloyds, 31 Halifax, and 11 Bank of Scotland sites.
Other Notable Closures
House of Fraser closed its Plymouth department store in February 2026, reducing the chain to 11 locations. TGI Fridays permanently closed 16 restaurants after its UK arm entered administration. Revolution Bars and Revolución de Cuba continued permanent closures in major cities. Morrisons announced plans to close 100 of its least profitable 'Morrisons Daily' convenience outlets in May 2026. Santander has planned 40 branch closures, NatWest 30, and Barclays and Co-operative Bank also earmarked closures. H&M will close 170 stores globally, with a net reduction of about 80. Topps Tiles is shutting more than 20 branches.
