River Island and Primark have recently disclosed plans for store closures in January 2026. The Centre for Retail Research reported that 54 retailers went out of business last year, resulting in the closure of 3,080 stores and affecting 30,153 employees. Retail sales volumes experienced a 0.1% decline in November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
River Island is set to shut down at least 27 stores this month as part of a reorganization strategy that includes the closure of 33 stores. Several locations, including branches in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, have already ceased operations. However, the closure dates for Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria, are yet to be confirmed.
Poundland is also planning to close 12 shops in January following approval from the High Court. The discount retailer had previously shut down 57 stores by the end of September after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for a nominal fee.
Primark closed its Dartford store on January 3 due to significant building repair needs, marking the first closure in over a decade for the fashion chain. Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, explained that the decision was influenced by the extensive repair work required at the location, which made it economically unviable. Most of the affected employees will transition to positions in nearby stores, with support provided to those leaving the company.
Additionally, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, all part of Lloyds Banking Group, will collectively close 34 bank branches this month, comprising 17 Lloyds branches, eight Halifax sites, and nine Bank of Scotland branches. The closures are attributed to the increasing trend of online banking usage, according to Lloyds.