Fashion retailer River Island is shutting 11 stores today (Saturday, January 31), delivering another blow to UK high streets. The closures include branches in London, Oxford, and Falkirk, as part of a broader restructuring plan that will see a total of 33 stores closed.
The company cited changing customer habits and high running costs as reasons for the closures, echoing challenges faced by many high street chains. River Island's CEO Ben Lewis stated that while the brand is 'much loved', a 'large portfolio of stores no longer aligned to our customers’ needs'.
Last year, River Island narrowly avoided administration by securing a restructuring plan to address a £124.3 million pre-tax loss and severe cash shortages. The plan includes closing 33 UK stores, reducing rents at 71 locations, and securing £40 million in funding to improve profitability through 2028.
The company faced a projected £43 million cash shortfall by September 2025, driven by high energy costs, inflation, and intense competition from fast-fashion rivals such as Shein. Moving forward, River Island is focusing on a smaller, more profitable store estate and a greater online presence.
When closures were first announced last year, around 110 of the 950 roles at River Island's head office were reportedly made redundant, saving an estimated £8.1 million. Several branches have already closed, including Brighton, Edinburgh, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees.
