River Island has officially announced the closure dates for 27 of its stores scheduled to shut down this month. The retailer had previously disclosed its intention to close 33 stores as part of a restructuring plan approved by the High Court.
Among the original list of 33 stores, locations such as Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees have already ceased operations in the final months of 2025. River Island has now released closure dates for an additional 27 stores, all set to close by the end of January. Although stores in Norwich, Norfolk, and Workington, Cumbria will also be closed, the specific dates for these closures are yet to be confirmed.
As part of its restructuring efforts, River Island is also reducing rents at 71 other stores. Prior to the court’s approval of its rescue plan in August, the clothing chain operated 223 stores across the UK and Ireland.
The company faced financial challenges as evidenced by a £32.3 million pre-tax loss and a 15% decline in turnover to £578.1 million last year. River Island’s legal representation highlighted the ongoing financial struggles, attributing them to decreased foot traffic and sales in the face of a competitive retail landscape shifting towards online shopping.
River Island’s CEO, Ben Lewis, acknowledged the shift in consumer behavior and emphasized the need for the company to adapt by transforming its business model to ensure long-term sustainability. While expressing regret over potential job losses due to store closures, the company aims to minimize the impact on its workforce.
By implementing a strategic restructuring plan and focusing on enhancing its fashion offerings and in-store experience, River Island aims to secure its future as a profitable retail business amidst evolving market dynamics.