River Island and Primark are among the major retailers that have announced store closures for January 2026. In the previous year, 54 retailers went bankrupt, leading to the closure of 3,080 stores and affecting 30,153 employees, according to the Centre for Retail Research. The Office for National Statistics reported a 0.1% decline in retail sales volumes in November.
River Island is set to shut down at least 27 stores this month as part of a restructuring plan that includes the closure of 33 stores. Several locations, including branches in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, have already closed. Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria are also on the list, with closure dates yet to be finalized.
Poundland is scheduled to close 12 shops in January following a reorganization approved by the High Court. The discount retailer had closed 57 stores by September last year after being acquired by investment firm Gordon Brothers for £1.
Primark recently closed its Dartford store due to significant building repair needs, marking its first closure in over a decade. Philippa Nibbs, Primark’s director of sales for UK South and South East, explained that the decision was influenced by the extensive repairs required and the proximity to other Primark stores. Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, all part of Lloyds Banking Group, will collectively close 34 bank branches this month, attributing the closures to the increasing preference for online banking services.