River Island and Primark are among the major retailers that have confirmed store closures for January 2026. The Centre for Retail Research reported that 54 retailers went bankrupt last year, leading to the closure of 3,080 stores and affecting 30,153 employees. Retail sales volumes saw a slight decline of 0.1% in November, according to the Office for National Statistics.
River Island is set to close at least 27 stores this month as part of its restructuring plan, which includes shutting down a total of 33 stores. Several branches, including those in Brighton, Edinburgh Princes Street, Great Yarmouth, and Stockton-on-Tees, have already closed in late 2025. Meanwhile, Poundland is planning to close 12 shops in January following a High Court-approved restructuring process that began 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 for the building, making it unsustainable given the proximity to other Primark stores. Lloyds Banking Group, including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland, will also close a total of 34 bank branches this month, attributing the decision to the increasing trend of online banking usage.
The closures are part of a broader trend affecting the retail and banking sectors, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.