The UK high street faced another devastating year in 2019, with thousands of job losses as major retailers and restaurant groups collapsed into administration. Among the casualties were Karen Millen, Mothercare's UK business, and Jamie Oliver's restaurant empire. Some firms were rescued but resorted to shop closures to survive.
Retailers struggled under weak consumer spending, the shift to online shopping, and rising costs from higher business rates and the minimum wage. Fashion chains offered discounts of up to 50% before Christmas to attract shoppers. Others, like Arcadia Group, used company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) to close stores and negotiate rent cuts.
Notable collapses included The Book People, which went into administration a week before Christmas, putting almost 400 jobs at risk. Mothercare announced the closure of all 79 UK stores, affecting 2,500 jobs. Bonmarché collapsed with 318 stores and 2,887 employees, with at least 30 stores closing and 240 job losses. Karen Millen and Coast closed all 32 stores and 177 concessions, making 1,100 staff redundant.
Other chains affected included Clintons, Mamas & Papas, Regis (owner of Supercuts), Watt Brothers, Links of London, and Forever 21. The Restaurant Group announced plans to close at least 88 Frankie & Benny's and Chiquito branches over six years. Tesco cut 4,500 jobs at Metro supermarkets, adding to 9,000 roles at risk earlier in the year.
