River Island has officially announced the specific closure dates for 27 of its stores scheduled to shut down this month. The fashion retailer, facing challenges, had previously disclosed plans to close a total of 33 stores following the approval of a significant restructuring by the High Court.
Among the initial 33 stores listed for closure were branches in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, which ceased operations in the final months of 2025. River Island has now revealed the closing dates for an additional 27 stores, all set to cease operations in late January. While stores in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria, are also slated for closure, specific dates for these locations are yet to be confirmed.
As part of its restructuring efforts, River Island is also reducing rents at another 71 shops. During the court hearing in August this year, the clothing chain, which had 223 stores in the UK and Ireland, underwent a rescue plan.
The company recorded a pre-tax loss of £32.3 million last year, with a reported 15% decline in turnover to £578.1 million. River Island’s legal representative, Matthew Weaver KC, acknowledged the company’s struggle to reverse its financial challenges, attributing the decline to reduced footfall and sales amid intense competition and a shift towards online shopping.
CEO Ben Lewis emphasized the retailer’s historical significance on the British high street but acknowledged the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences, particularly the shift towards online retail. Lewis expressed confidence in the company’s restructuring strategy to ensure long-term profitability, citing positive outcomes from recent fashion enhancements and in-store experiences. He also expressed regret over potential job losses due to store closures, pledging efforts to minimize the impact on employees.
