Full list of store closures (Image: Getty)
A number of high-street retailers have already announced confirmed and potential store closures across the UK this week. Major chains affected include TG Jones and Matalan, along with several other well-known brands.
The closures come after periods of weaker sales and rising costs for many businesses. Hundreds of jobs are expected to be lost as a result. Shoppers can expect to see final clearance sales and restructured store networks in the coming months.
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TG Jones/ WHSmith
According to reports, it is indicated that around 80 TG Jones stores, previously known as WHSmith, are at the highest risk of closure following a period of weaker sales, as reported by the Wandsworth Guardian.
The plans are reportedly at an early stage, and discussions with landlords on rent are likely to impact the final number, as previously reported by The Express.
Modella’s £40 million purchase of WHSmith’s high street stores was its biggest deal last year, controlling nearly 1,000 shops and more than 10,000 staff. But higher taxes and inflation led to almost 300 store closures and over 2,000 job losses when The Original Factory Shop and Claire’s Accessories went into administration.
A spokesman for Modella said: “The economic conditions for all retail businesses are tough. The combination of cost inflation, weak consumer confidence and adverse Government fiscal policies puts significant pressure on all retailers.
“Against this backdrop, the management of TG Jones is working hard to turn around this important retail business, and they are drawing on the best available advice in doing so. TG Jones’ management and Modella Capital are committed to building a sustainable future for this important UK business.”
Matalan to close two stores (Image: Getty)
Matalan
Fashion retailer Matalan has confirmed two store closures on March 7. The company, with 40 years in business, operates over 200 stores across the UK, but will be shutting these two stores.
These stores are located in Colne and Carlisle. The Colne branch at the North Valley Retail Park will shut permanently, with shoppers warned they can no longer visit after the closure date.
However, the Carlisle closure is part of a major redevelopment project to transform the retail park into a new southern entrance for Carlisle station.
A spokesperson for Matalan said: “Our priority now is to support our colleagues. We have thoroughly enjoyed serving customers at the retail park and hope they will continue to shop with us at our nearby Accrington or Blackburn stores.”
Despite the closures, Matalan is planning 40 store refurbishments for 2026. The retailer completed 30 refurbishments last year as part of a £25 million investment, with upgraded sites outperforming the wider network by 14% in sales.
Lakeland Leather
Lakeland Leather is closing three of its shops in the UK. The high street fashion retailer, which has 15 stores, will reportedly shut one store in Scotland and two in the north of England. The exact closing dates have not yet been announced.
The company was founded in Cumbria in 1955 by Jack Standring and has been running for 71 years. It is believed to be struggling because more people are shopping online and buying cheaper fast fashion.
A source at Felldale Retail, which runs Lakeland Leather stores, told the Scottish Sun: “Like many retailers, we are operating within an increasingly challenging trading environment, with rising costs and lower footfall continuing to impact parts of the high street.”
One of the stores closing is in Carlisle. Its lease ended in January and the company decided not to renew it. A big clearance sale was launched to sell the remaining stock.
The Kendal store in northern England is also expected to close, along with the Gretna shop in Scotland at the Caledonia Park retail outlet on Glasgow Road.
Quiz is offering a major sale (Image: Getty)
Quiz
Quiz has launched a “final clearance” sale, offering 40% off all shoes and at least 30% off dresses. The UK clothing chain announced the discounts after filing for administration last month, with closing-down offers now available across all sections of its stores.
Quiz, operated by the Ramzan family, has shops across the UK, including 11 in Scotland, 13 in England, one in Wales, and 11 in Ireland (including Northern Ireland). While a complete list of closures has not been released, several stores have been confirmed to shut, including branches in Essex, Norwich, and Basingstoke.
Alistair McAlinden, Interpath Scotland head and joint administrator, said: “As we continue to explore options for the business, we would encourage shoppers to visit their nearest stores, with further discounts available on all remaining stock.”
BrewDog
BrewDog has said it will close 38 of its bars, leading to 484 job losses, even after being rescued by a US company, according to the Wandsworth Guardian.
The US firm Tilray Brands, which makes medicinal cannabis and craft beer, bought BrewDog in a £33 million deal. The deal included BrewDog’s global brand, its UK brewery, and 11 of its pubs in the UK and Ireland. However, BrewDog’s 18 franchise bars in the UK and other countries will stay open.
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