Stationery chain Typo has announced it will close all of its stores across the UK, as well as its website, by 2027. The Australian chain, owned by fashion group Cotton On, currently operates 13 stores in the UK, most of which are reportedly holding closing-down sales ahead of their closure.
The remaining shops have no official closing date but are expected to shut down in the coming months. Several branches have already closed, including London stores in Westfield Stratford and White City, a concession in Selfridges, and a store in Angel. An additional shop in Eldon in Newcastle remains open but is holding a closing-down sale.
Full list of stores expected to close
The shops expected to close include Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow, Metrocentre in Newcastle, Union Square Shopping in Aberdeen, Meadowhall Centre in Sheffield, Derbion in Derby, Bentall Centre in Kingston Upon Thames, Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, Festival Place in Basingstoke, Centre MK in Milton Keynes, Grand Arcade in Cambridge, Gravel Walk in Canterbury, Southgate in Bath, Cabot Circus in Bristol, High Street in Exeter.
Company statement and reasons
In a statement provided to ChronicleLive, the chain said: 'After careful consideration, we are closing Typo's operations in the United Kingdom, with all stores and online trading to close by early 2027.'
'We recognise the impact of this decision on our Typo UK team who are already aware of this, and our priority is to support our people through this transition.'
Cotton On claimed that 'ongoing high rent and operating costs' combined with low sales made the chain unsustainable 'despite the efforts of our teams'.
Impact on the UK high street
2026 has so far been a tumultuous year for the high street as dozens of retail and dining chains have shut their doors. Most recently, TG Jones, the rebranded WH Smith, has announced plans to close upwards of 150 shops.
Over the summer, Premier Inn owner Whitbread announced it was closing its Beefeater, Bar + Block, Cookhouse + Pub, and Table Table restaurants and pubs. Morrisons is closing dozens of its Daily convenience stores, Quiz Clothing completely shut all of its shops, and luxury accessories brand Radley also shut all branches.
