River Island has officially announced the forthcoming closure of 27 of its stores during this month. The fashion retailer, undergoing a challenging period, had previously declared its intention to close 33 stores following the approval of its restructure plans by the High Court.
Among the original list of 33 stores slated for closure were locations in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, which ceased operations in the final months of 2025. River Island has now disclosed the closure dates for an additional 27 stores, all scheduled to shut down in late January. While the retailer will be closing stores in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria, the specific dates for these branches are yet to be confirmed.
As part of its restructuring efforts, River Island is also reducing rents at 71 other shops. At the time of its court-approved rescue plan in August this year, the clothing chain operated 223 stores across the UK and Ireland.
The company reported a pre-tax loss of £32.3 million in the previous year, with turnover declining by 15% to £578.1 million. Matthew Weaver KC, representing River Island, acknowledged the company’s ongoing financial challenges, attributing them to reduced footfall and sales amidst a fiercely competitive retail landscape and a shift towards online shopping.
Ben Lewis, River Island’s CEO, emphasized the retailer’s longstanding presence on the British high street but acknowledged the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and rising business costs. He outlined a strategic plan aimed at ensuring the company’s long-term viability by aligning its store portfolio with customer demands and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Lewis expressed regret over potential job losses resulting from store closures and emphasized the company’s commitment to minimizing the impact on its workforce.