This week has seen a wave of store closures across the UK high street, with several well-known brands shutting their doors amid rising costs. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that retailers face a £5.6 billion increase in costs over 2025 and 2026, including higher wages, new packaging levies, and reduced rates relief.
Claire's has closed all 154 of its UK stores, making around 1,300 staff redundant. Administrators at Kroll confirmed the closures, though the retailer's 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, remain open. Reports suggest Claire's could reopen four to ten stores a week from June onwards.
Russell & Bromley, the British shoe retailer founded in 1880, has shut its remaining 33 stores and nine concessions. The closures, completed by 23 April, have resulted in the redundancy of most employees at non-transferring stores. Administrators Interpath are supporting affected staff with claims to the redundancy payments service.
Luxury fashion brand LK Bennett has closed nine stores after entering administration. The remaining 13 concessions are expected to close soon as stock sells out. The brand, favoured by the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla, was purchased by Gordon Brothers in January, with plans to revive it under an asset-light model.
Pet store chain The Ark, which operated across South and East Devon, has closed all its branches after 30 years of trading. A spokesperson cited “huge rising costs” and “increasing pressure” as reasons for the decision, thanking staff and loyal customers for their support.
