UK fashion and homeware retail giant Matalan has confirmed the closure of another store, this time in Colne, Lancashire, with the shutdown scheduled for next week. The company has simultaneously launched a substantial discount sale, offering customers up to 50% off across a wide range of products.
Store Closure Details and Impact
The Matalan outlet located at North Valley Retail Park in Colne will cease operations after March 7, leaving shoppers unable to visit the physical store beyond that date. A spokesperson for Matalan emphasized that the company's immediate priority is supporting affected colleagues, with efforts underway to explore alternative positions where possible.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed serving customers at the retail park and hope they will continue to shop with us at our nearby Accrington or Blackburn stores," the spokesperson stated, highlighting the brand's commitment to maintaining customer relationships despite the closure.
Recent Closures and Redevelopment Projects
This is not an isolated incident for Matalan. The retailer recently announced the closure of its Carlisle branch, also set for March 7, to facilitate a major redevelopment project. The Carlisle store's location will be transformed into a new southern entrance for Carlisle station as part of the Carlisle Station Gateway scheme, aimed at creating a welcoming gateway to the city.
Additionally, the Leeds Matalan store closed permanently on February 24, with staff successfully redeployed to other locations. These closures come amidst a broader retail landscape where physical stores face increasing challenges.
Investment and Refurbishment Plans
Despite these closures, Matalan remains focused on growth and investment. In December, the company revealed plans to refurbish 40 stores in 2026, exceeding the original target by 10 stores. This follows a successful 2025 upgrade programme that boosted sales significantly.
The retailer completed 30 planned refurbishments last year as part of a £25 million investment in its bricks-and-mortar estate. Notably, these refurbished sites have outperformed the wider retail network by 14% in sales, demonstrating the value of strategic store enhancements.
Company Background and Current Operations
Founded in 1985 by British entrepreneur John Hargreaves, who named the company by combining the names of his sons Matt and Alan, Matalan has grown into a major player in the UK retail sector. After four decades in business, the retailer now operates over 200 stores across the United Kingdom, complemented by a robust omnichannel e-commerce platform.
The current 50% discount sale represents both an opportunity for customers to secure bargains and a strategic move by Matalan to manage inventory and transition smoothly through this period of change. As the retail giant navigates store closures and investments, it continues to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions.
