Trespass Outdoor Brand Announces Additional UK Store Closures in 2026
The well-known British outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Trespass has confirmed it will be shutting further branches across the United Kingdom in 2026, dealing another significant blow to the nation's struggling high streets. This announcement follows a series of previous closures and highlights the persistent challenges facing physical retail.
Southampton Store Set to Close in March
The company has specified that its Southampton outlet, located on Above Bar Street, will permanently cease trading on March 9, 2026. Notices declaring "closing down, everything must go" have already been prominently displayed in the shop windows, signalling the impending shutdown to local customers.
For residents in the Southampton area, alternative shopping options remain available at two nearby Trespass locations in Eastleigh and Whiteley. Both of these stores are situated just a short distance from the closing branch, offering some continuity for the brand's loyal customer base.
A Pattern of Recent Closures Across the UK
This latest closure is part of a broader trend for the outdoor specialist, which has shuttered multiple outlets in recent months. Reported closures include:
- The Watford store within the Harlequin shopping centre, which closed on October 31.
- The Aylesbury branch in Buckinghamshire, which ceased operations in May.
- The Ipswich location on Westgate Street, which closed on October 18.
- The Horsham store, which shut its doors at the end of December.
The decision aligns with a statement made by Trespass back in 2024, where the company cited declining customer footfall and mounting financial pressures as key reasons for the consolidation of its UK store portfolio.
Community Impact and Staff Redundancies
The closure has elicited a sympathetic response from local communities. For instance, the organisation Visit Horsham posted on social media, expressing regret at the Horsham store's closure and extending good wishes to the affected staff, who are understood to be facing redundancy.
The post noted, "As you can imagine, it's a very difficult time for them, and they would rather not discuss the situation in the store. They are lovely people, and if anyone else is looking for staff in Horsham, then you might want to consider them." This highlights the human impact of such retail decisions on employees and local economies.
Broader Context of High Street Challenges
Trespass joins a growing list of retailers and supermarkets that have recently announced closure plans, reflecting wider pressures on the British high street. These challenges include shifting consumer habits towards online shopping, increased operational costs, and economic uncertainties.
The brand's strategic reduction in physical stores may be part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable channels, though this comes at the cost of reduced high street presence and local employment.
The Mirror has reached out to Trespass for an official comment regarding these latest closures and the company's future strategy, but a response is still awaited at the time of writing.
