River Island to Shut 32 UK Stores as High Street Crisis Deepens

Another major high street name is set to significantly reduce its physical presence, with fashion chain River Island confirming plans to close 32 of its UK stores. The announcement, made in January 2026, forms part of a drastic restructuring effort following a challenging period for the retailer.

The Driving Forces Behind the Closures

The company pointed to a familiar set of challenges plaguing the retail sector. A steep rise in online shopping and persistently high operating costs were cited as the primary pressures. This decision follows a difficult financial year for River Island, which reported a pre-tax loss of £32.3 million and a significant 19% drop in sales.

Ben Lewis, the Chief Executive Officer of River Island, acknowledged the brand's place in shoppers' affections but stated the current store portfolio no longer aligns with modern consumer habits. He explained that the brand has "a large portfolio of stores no longer aligned to our customers’ needs," despite remaining "much loved".

Shopper Reaction and Industry Context

For many British consumers, the news was met with resignation rather than shock. The closure follows a string of high street exits over recent years, conditioning the public to expect such announcements. On social media platforms like Reddit, some users had speculated about the chain's future months earlier, when reports surfaced of a potential 'risk of collapse'.

Common criticisms from shoppers included perceptions of outdated stores and prices that didn't match the product offering. One commenter noted River Island had been "overpriced for years," while another pointed to fierce competition from both online giants and other high street rivals like H&M.

Currently, River Island operates around 200 shops nationwide and employs more than 5,000 people. The company has assured that jobs are not immediately at risk, with efforts underway to relocate staff where possible following the closures.

A Wider High Street Trend

The move by River Island is not an isolated incident. It arrives in the same month that chains Claire's and The Original Factory Shop entered administration, threatening a further 2,500 jobs across the UK. The past year also witnessed store closures from major names including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, and Poundland—a trend that shows no sign of abating in 2026.

The following River Island locations are slated for closure in 2026: