Five Iconic UK Retailers Collapse into Administration in Early 2026
Britain's high streets have been struck by a significant wave of retail collapses in the opening months of 2026, with five iconic companies entering administration. From fashion brands to gaming and accessories retailers, January witnessed numerous once-beloved chains filing for insolvency.
This troubling trend follows a broader pattern of business distress. According to the most recent analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau, published on January 9, 2026, a total of 1,631 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025. While this figure represents a 5% decrease compared to 2024, it remains a substantial 22% higher than the numbers recorded in 2022.
The retail sector appears particularly vulnerable, with several household names succumbing to financial pressures. Here is a detailed list of the five iconic UK stores that have fallen into administration this year.
1. Quiz Clothing
The fashion chain Quiz has collapsed into administration for the third time in just six years, placing 109 workers at immediate risk of redundancy. Founded in 1993, the company has encountered severe difficulties over the past year, culminating in disappointing sales during the crucial festive period.
Administrators have confirmed that while the retailer's 40 shops and seven concessions will remain open temporarily, they are now holding closing-down sales and will not honour any refunds. Furthermore, the company's website has been taken offline, signalling a significant retreat from both physical and digital retail spaces.
2. Claire's
Claire's, the iconic accessories retailer where countless teenagers have had their ears pierced, entered administration for the second time in January 2026. This development places around 150 shops and approximately 1,000 staff members at risk, a mere four months after the business was previously rescued from insolvency.
Administrators Kroll have been appointed to oversee the insolvency of the brand's UK and Ireland operations. They have stated that Claire's is still trading during this period, but the future of its physical stores remains highly uncertain.
3. Game
The gaming giant Game, a cherished fixture of many childhoods, has confirmed its intention to appoint administrators at the end of January 2026. Following the start of administration proceedings, the company announced plans to shut its final remaining standalone branches.
Game's presence on the high street has steadily diminished over the past decade, making its branches increasingly rare sights. This represents the second time Game has entered administration since 2012, with the company filing a notice to appoint administrators last month. Soon, any standalone outlets will vanish entirely from the retail landscape.
4. The Original Factory Shop
As of January 28, 2026, The Original Factory Shop entered administration, jeopardising more than 1,000 jobs. The company has brought in administrators from Interpath Advisory to manage the insolvency process.
The administrators have highlighted several critical challenges facing The Original Factory Shop. These include difficult trading conditions, persistently high inflation, rising labour costs driven by Government regulations, and a notable drop in consumer confidence. These factors have collectively contributed to the retailer's financial downfall.
5. LK Bennett
Despite being favoured by Princess Kate, the British fashion retailer LK Bennett is preparing to shut all its standalone shops after entering administration in February 2026, placing numerous jobs at risk.
While investment firm Gordon Brothers has acquired the LK Bennett brand, the agreement did not extend to the retailer's physical store premises. Consequently, all remaining shops are expected to close their doors permanently by spring 2026. Administrators confirm that the nine standalone outlets and 13 department store concessions will continue trading for up to three months, indicating that closures are likely by April 2026.
This series of retail collapses underscores the ongoing challenges facing the UK high street, with economic pressures, shifting consumer habits, and operational costs creating a perfect storm for many established brands.
